Idaho Gang Crack Down Has Positive Results

NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — Local and federal officials say their organized efforts to crack down on gang activity in and around southwestern Idaho have paid dividends. Canyon County Prosecutor Bryan Taylor says the enforcement effort aimed at the Brown Magic Clica gang has resulted in 21 convictions on a variety of felonies, including drug, firearms and racketeering crimes.

Taylor says the BMC gang is basically been wiped out from the Treasure Valley and eastern Oregon for now. The investigation code-named "Operation Black Magic" began three years ago, focusing on criminal activity between 2006 and 2010.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the indictments of 30 suspected gang members in 2011. Court documents show the defendants admitted their gang was involved in conspiring and in some cases committing murder, arson and witness intimidation.