FBI Raid Targets Latin Kings Gang in New Bedford

The FBI on Thursday swept across Massachusetts, charging 620 members of the Latin Kings gang, including reputed leadership figures, on drug trafficking, gun, and racketeering charges.

New Bedford was a major focus of warrants executed this morning, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling confirmed during a Boston press conference.

Lelling said New Bedford was prioritized due to the high level of violence stemming from the Latin Kings and their domination of drug trafficking in the city. Other raids were conducted in cities including Boston, Lawrence, Springfield, Fitchburg, Chelsea, and Worcester. Charges were also brought in other states.

The FBI said the charges stemmed from a five-year investigation by the North Shore Gang Task Force and the Massachusetts Department of Corrections called "Operation Throne Down." Charges were brought against leaders and members of the "Almighty Latin Kings & Queens," the agency said.

Those arrested included alleged Massachusetts and East Coast leaders of the gang, Lelling said. He called it one of the largest gang takedowns in Boston FBI history.

This story will be updated with additional reporting.