The operation against MS-13 was the result of more than two years of investigative work (JOHN MOORE)
<p>New York (AFP) – Investigators have arrested more than 230 suspected MS-13 gang members in New York, Baltimore and El Salvador, US officials announced Friday, in a move celebrated by President Donald Trump.</p><p>The operation against the Hispanic gang was the result of more than two years of investigative work, US drug agency DEA officials and the Suffolk County prosecutor said in a statement.</p><p>Of more than 230 people arrested, 96 were from Long Island — a stronghold of MS-13 — although the statement did not specify if they were American or foreign nationals.</p><p>Shortly after the announcement, Trump tweeted: "We are getting MS-13 gang members, and many other people that shouldn’t be here, out of our Country!"</p><p>The president has frequently linked illegal gang activity to his campaign to lower migration to the US.</p><p>In 2017 he said MS-13 had "literally taken power in American cities and towns".</p><p>"Today’s arrests close the book on MS-13’s attempt to build an arsenal of brutality on the East Coast," said DEA Special Agent Ray Donovan. </p><p>He said the investigation had given officials valuable insight into the gang’s "goals of recruitment, expansion, brutality, violence and rule."</p><p>US district attorney Timothy Sini added that at least seven murder plots had been prevented as a result of the case.</p><p>Around 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine, heroin, cannabis and fentanyl pills were also seized.</p><p>MS-13 originated from Los Angeles but during a crackdown in the 1990s many of their members were deported to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. </p><p>There, they gained power, helping to make northern Central America one of the deadliest regions in the world.</p><p></p>

Disclaimer: Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Source: AFP.