76 Members Of The Triple-6 Gangsters Arrested In Stockton

September 18, 2015 September 18, 2015

The authorities have been busy this summer as law enforcement details all over seem to be cracking down on gang activity. There are over 100,000 gangs (street and prison) operating domestically, with over a million members nationwide. California is one of the nation’s hotbeds for gang activity. Yesterday, authorities in Stockton, CA, announced the arrest of 76 members of the Triple-6 Gangsters organization.

The Stockton Police Department teamed up with the FBI and Department of Justice for a 90-day investigation linked to Operation Ceasefire. The probe was sparked by a war between two sets of the Norteños, a network of Mexican gangs that rally under the Nuestra Familia banner. The Triple-6 Gangsters are an offshoot of Southside Stocktone. According to police, the Triple-6 Gangsters split off from Southside Stocktone to “show their dominance.” The split caused animosity and a war has been waging on since.

According to FOX40, 68 firearms and 30 pounds of meth and other drugs were seized by the authorities during the investigation. The guns are being tested to see if they were used in any of the incidents of violence that happened in Stockton. Valentin Vivero and Benny Casteneda were arrested in the sweep for the July murder of rival Ray Ortega. Vivero is a documented member of Triple-6.

San Joaquin County deputy district attorney Mark Dennings said, “…today we’ve made a difference. We’ve taken the (gang) leaders off of the streets.” He added, “I can’t tell you how much more is out there, I can only tell you that today’s not it, and we’re not going to stop.”

The Triple-6 Gangsters arrested are all facing federal criminal charges and face lengthy prison sentences.

Below is a street map of gang territories in Stockton:

Read here about the recent crackdown on gangs in the Bronx, NYC.

Ryan K. Smith

Ryan K. Smith is digital content editor for Don Diva Magazine. Earning a bachelors degree from Penn State University (by way of Howard University), Ryan has pursued a career in journalism, published by Complex Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Philadelphia Weekly and The Chester Spirit Newspaper. He is also a self-published author. He sells the most awesome tee shirts on Earth at meweforus.spreadshirt.com.