Fresno Police stage gang take down

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A victory Tuesday morning against gang members by Fresno Police. Officers staged a major gang take down in Fresno.

They arrested and charged 17 suspects and seized 80 pounds of methamphetamine.

The city's gang task force conducted the operation and focused on a gang with a violent history.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said the seizure of the drugs alone can have an impact on street violence.

"Anytime we have drugs involved, there's a potential for violent crime. We know methamphetamine is the very thing that fuels the majority of crime in our community-- all the way from auto theft to burglary. So getting that 80 pounds of meth off the streets is critical."

Officers also seized 45 firearms in the sweep.