68 Targeted in Santa Barbara Police Gang Crackdown

Santa Barbara police have made a long list of arrests and are filing charges against dozens of people as part of an ongoing anti-gang effort called “Operation Falling Dawn.”

Police Chief Cam Sanchez made the announcement during a Wednesday morning news conference. The police department’s program worked closely with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. There were links to the Mexican Mafia mentioned by Sanchez who also said some of the crimes taking place on Santa Barbara streets were connected to suspects currently behind bars.

“We are not going to stop with this operation,” said Sanchez. “If you commit a gang crime in Santa Barbara we’re going to find you. We’re going to send you to prison.”

68 people suspected of gang affiliations have been arrested. Some are family members, and juveniles. Police also displayed rifles, guns, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cash.

“Several of these are connected in terms of drug sales and attempted homicides,” said Sanchez.

Senior Reporter John Palminteri was at the press conference and will have more details through the day here on keyt.com and on KEYT NewsChannel 3 at 5 and 6.

Slideshow: Santa Barbara Police Conduct Gang Crackdown