“21 white supremacist gang members & associates busted in
massive drug trafficking sting in Utah”
Federal authorities in Utah have charged 21 white
supremacist gang members and associates with distributing drugs and firearms
around the state, according to a series of indictments unsealed Friday. The
charges follow a 16-month investigation into three home-grown hate groups: “Soldiers
of Aryan Culture, the Silent Aryan Warriors, and the Noble
Elect Thugs.”
Officials described all
three as increasingly organized criminal enterprises. U.S. Attorney John Huber
said in a news conference: “Unfortunately,
this is a Utah product. There are many things to be proud of in Utah, from our
snow, beautiful mountains, and national parks. White supremacist gangs, it’s
one of ours. We own it and we’re not proud of it.”
The suspects are accused of selling meth, heroin, other painkillers, marijuana, and other drugs in the Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah areas.
The investigation, led by local and
federal authorities, resulted in a slew of felony charges against the group,
including distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a
felon.
Nine of the suspects could
face up to life in prison if convicted. Investigators recovered 15
firearms and 1.65 pounds of meth during the probe.
Officials said many defendants have been involved in Utah criminal
conduct for many years. One “Soldier of Aryan Culture” was born
in a Utah state prison in the 1990’s, and has been expanding his operations ever
since.
FBI Director Wray warned
a House committee last month that: “White
supremacist groups are among the threats to national security. Within that
racially-motivated violent extremism bucket, people ascribing to some kind of
white supremacist-type ideology is certainly the biggest chunk of that.”
My 2 cents: I wonder if Trump will tell others to “stand by” too
and keep busy working in this great economy he brags about all the time. Would
not be the least bit surprised.
Or maybe Trump will brag
about his law and order leadership working full time, so stay tuned.
Thanks for stopping by.
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