NCJ Number
133180
Date Published
1990
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This overview of organized crime in California covers the most recognized crime groups in the State including Colombian cocaine cartels, international heroin trafficking networks, international crime organizations based in Asia, street gangs, La Cosa Nostra, prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and criminal extremists.
Abstract
Federal authorities estimate that 50 percent of the cocaine entering the country is shipped into the Los Angeles area through Mexico by Colombian drug cartels. In many communities, street gang wars continue to disrupt the lives of California citizens. The Crips and Bloods street gangs are growing in number; of 80,000 active gang members identified by authorities in Los Angeles County, more than 31,000 are Crips and Bloods. Vietnamese gangs and other gangs of Southeast Asian origin continue to victimize Asian communities and appear to be erasing the boundaries that once separated gangs. Ethnic differences have traditionally prevented cooperation between gangs of different cultures, but it now appears that cultural differences are being set aside among Southeast Asian gangs and youth in the pursuit of economic gain through criminal activity. Successful law enforcement efforts have significantly curtailed the criminal activities of traditional organized crime groups such as La Cosa Nostra. In 1989, California was relatively free of Mafia crime families actively operating in the State. Outlaw motorcycle gangs continue to be active in methamphetamine manufacturing and weapons trafficking; their use of violence and intimidation is well-known to law enforcement. Skinheads consist of various white street gangs whose white supremacy beliefs make them dangerous. Their criminal activities primarily involve hate crimes. Although the activities of international heroin trafficking networks and prison gangs are less widespread than other forms of organized crime, they are still of concern to law enforcement. 4 figures