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Local - Crime & Courts

Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Gang unit raid nets drugs, suspects

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The Modesto police Street Gang Unit arrested three men, confiscated various drugs packaged for sale, and recovered a handgun and some cash in a raid Thursday morning.

Police said the home, in the 1700 block of Tonilane, was a center for drug and gang activity in the west Modesto neighborhood near James Marshall Elementary School.

Arrested in the sweep were the homeowner, Primitivo Gratton, 25, and Philip Fuentes, 18, and Jose Gutierrez, 33, all of Modesto.

About 9 a.m., officers served a search warrant at the home south of Paradise Road. They found Vicodin and marijuana packaged for sale, as well as 6.5 ounces of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $10,000.

The gang unit also found a semi-automatic handgun and more than $3,000 in cash. Officers believe the residence was a major distribution point for illegal drugs in the area.