WASHINGTON — A coordinated federal-local crackdown on drugs and violent crime in Northern Virginia last year has resulted in dozens of convictions.
“Operation Tin Panda Takedown” involved over 300 law enforcement officials, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for Virginia’s eastern district. It targeted gangs and other drug distribution involved in such crimes as homicide, shootings, firearms distribution and malicious wounding.
Over 40 were arrested. Seized in the operation were more than 95 firearms; 3 pounds of cocaine base; 10 pounds of cocaine; 7 pounds of crystal meth; 5 pounds of heroin; 4 pounds of ecstasy; 227 pounds of marijuana; 79 pounds of THC; $150,000 in cash; and nine vehicles valued at over $300,000.
Twelve have been sentenced to terms ranging from 27 months to 15 years. The rest await sentencing this summer, with some facing mandatory minimum sentences of up to 40 years.
