FRESNO, CA (KMJ) California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni announced the results of “Operation Hands Down” Monday, which zeroed in on criminal street gangs in the Central Valley.
Investigators say they solved two homicides, made 69 felony arrests, and seized 73 firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cocaine and lethal amounts of fentanyl.
In March 2026, law enforcement agencies began an investigation into a criminal street gang operating in Fresno, Tulare, and Madera Counties.
The investigation found an extensive criminal conspiracy in which Suereno and Mexican Mafia gang members and associates orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking.
This was a joint operation with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Homeland Security, the California Department of Corrections, the CHP and police departments in Kingsburg, Sanger, Reedley and Selma.
“The collective work done by all law enforcement agencies in this operation will undoubtedly improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents in Fresno County, particularly those living in our smaller rural communities,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.
The case will be prosecuted by Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
“Through a unified front with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have successfully removed hazardous drugs and weapons from our streets while holding bad actors accountable,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This strategic and focused operation dismantled organized criminal organizations and directly prevented impending acts of violence. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated DOJ agents and partner agencies for their tireless commitment to public safety. Today, we send an unmistakable message: Organized crime cannot withstand the power of rigorous, collaborative law enforcement. Because of these collective efforts, Central Valley families can live and sleep peacefully, knowing their community is that much safer.”
“The FBI Sacramento Field Office is committed to aggressively combating violent crime and gangs that threaten our communities,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “We are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners and Homeland Security Task Force to target violent gang activity connected to homicides, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking. This operation reflects our shared commitment to identifying, investigating, and dismantling transnational criminal organizations to protect communities impacted by violence.”
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
