INDICTMENT: Minneapolis gangs doubled crack prices in North Dakota, rural Minnesota

Seven members from of a pair of Minneapolis gangs have been charged with 31 counts related to a crack cocaine distribution network. Members of the Young N Thuggin (YNT) and Taliban gangs are charged with 31 counts of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.

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According to the indictment, members of the Taliban and YNT frequently traveled to St. Cloud and Duluth, Minn., and to Fargo, North Dakota, to sell crack. The drugs they could sell in Minneapolis for $20 would fetch up to $50 in Greater Minnesota and North Dakota.

U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said the "streets are safer" with these arrests, as the YNT and Taliban governed and expanded their territory with weapons and violence.

What they're saying

"Leaders and members of the Taliban and YNT are charged with using violence and intimidation to control a drug distribution operation stretching from Minneapolis to Fargo. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we are continuing to investigate and stop drug dealers and the violence that too often accompanies their illegal activity." - U.S. Attorney Andy Luger

"Today we see the results of a long term investigation into a violent street gang that has plagued the streets of Minneapolis for too long. As a result of our collaborative partnerships with our state and federal partners, several members of that gang are facing federal indictments for their long history of criminal activity. Today we say thank you to all of our partners for helping to make Minneapolis a safer city." - Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau

The defendants

LOUIS LEE FRASIER BANKS, a/k/a "G.I.," 25

CARNEL LAVEL HARRISON, a/k/a "Boo Man," 26

DEJUAN PIERRE DARKYSE WASHINGTON, a/k/a "DJ," 23

TERRELL VONSHAY ROBERSON, a/k/a "Get Right," a/k/a "Slim," 18

LAQUEDRICK LEMEL AS-SIDIQ, a/k/a "Quady," a/k/a "C," 25

DONTE TRAMAYNE SMITH, a/k/a "Five," 25

CORTEZ DAVON BLAKEMORE, a/k/a "Tez," 24