26 Calif. Hells Angels Arrested on Drug Charges

Twenty-six members or associates of the Hells Angels motorcycle club were arrested in early morning raids on Thursday by SWAT teams of the FBI, as well as the San Diego and Oceanside police departments.

Additionally, six defendants already in custody were named in an affidavit and four are fugitives at this time, the FBI's San Diego office announced.

More than 250 law enforcement officers, deputies, and agents from San Diego County participated in arrests and searches of individuals and 19 locations. The searches resulted in the seizure of thousands of dollars in currency, 10 firearms, and narcotics.

The charges stem from a two-year investigation conducted by the FBI's Violent Crime Gang Task Force. The investigation focused on methamphetamine trafficking and violent crimes committed by the San Diego charter of the Hells Angels and their criminal partners. During the investigation, agents and detectives prevented a kidnapping.