A months-long investigation into alleged drug and weapons dealing by members of two of Hennepin County's two most violent gangs culminated this week with the arrest of 11 people, authorities said.

A 13-count federal indictment was returned this week against the defendants, several of whom are described as leaders of the 1-9 and Stick Up Boys gangs, whose ongoing feud with two rival street gangs, the Taliban and YNT ("Young 'N Thuggin') has led to at least six killings and numerous shootings in the past five years.

U.S. Attorney Andy Luger told reporters at a news conference Friday morning that the gang bust effectively ended "a gang war that has brought violence and murder to our community."

The two-day sweep was carried out by members of the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force – a coalition of law enforcement agencies that includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and police departments in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Golden Valley, and Richfield – and the Minneapolis Police Department.

Among those indicted was Veltrez Black, aka "Chief," who authorities described as the leader of the 1-9 gang (also known as 1-9 Dipset and 1-9 Vice Lords). Also named were Tywin Bender, aka "Finn Winn," Nitelen Jackson, aka "King Nite" and Dontevius Catchings, aka "Lil Snake," all of whom are believed to be leaders of the Stick Up Boys gang.

The others named in indictment are:

  • Cinque Owens
  • Jabari Johnson
  • Darryl Parker, aka "Thirsty"
  • Marquis Woods, aka "Quis Moe"
  • Marques Armstrong, aka "Lil Kease"
  • Deontay Jones
  • Lakesha Coleman

Hennepin County sheriff Rich Stanek said in a news release:

Jim Modzelewski, special agent in charge of the ATF's St. Paul office, added: