Anticrime operation snares 80 in Glouco in past year

Eighty people have been arrested in the past year in Gloucester County on weapons, drugs and other charges in a statewide operation targeting gangs, guns and violent offenders, the county Prosector's Office announced today.

Nearly half of those arrested were affiliated with street gangs or had a history of violence, Prosecutor Sean Dalton said in a statement,

One drug investigation resulted in four arrests and the seizure of 14 kilograms (30.8 pounds) of cocaine valued at $450,000, $170,000 in cash and a stolen .45-caliber handgun, officials said. The case will be prosecuted by the federal government.

Other seizures included 23 handguns, three assault weapons, 260 pounds of marijuana valued at $300,000 and $64,000 in cash.

The arrests bring to 140 the number of people charged since the joint federal, state and local Gangs, Guns and Violent Crime Control initiative began in June 2008, Dalton said.