96 alleged members and associates of the MS-13 gang were arrested on Friday, in one of the largest takedown of the criminal enterprise in New York’s history. The arrests, which also include 9 leaders of the gang, were made in Suffolk county, after almost two years of county, state, and federal investigation. The arrests, which also include 9 leaders of the gang, were made in Suffolk county, after almost two years of county, state, and federal investigation.

Officials said the investigation prevented seven plots to murder people in Long Island. But more importantly, the investigation averted the violent El Salvador based gang from getting a stronger foothold in New York.

DEA agent Ray Donovan said, “We’ve learned that through this investigation MS-13 had plans for establishing an East Coast foundation here in New York for the gang, that will never happen.”

64 defendants, between the ages of 16 to 59, were arrested last week in part of an indictment alleging drug trafficking, gang violence, conspiracy to commit murder, and the sale and possession of weapons. Some are illegal immigrants, U.S. citizens, and non-citizens who are in the U.S. legally.

“Their rules are very clear,” said Donovan. “In order to move up from a ‘morro’ [rank] to a ‘chekeo,’ [higher rank], one would have to kill four times.

Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said it’s crucial that authorities stay vigilant because “they will attempt to recalibrate.”

At a press conference, authorities laid the confiscated evidence out; 1,000 fentanyl pills, 10 kilos of cocaine, nine handguns, 2 long guns, over $200,000 in cash, and numerous machetes.

“Murder conspiracy, that’s not a bail eligible offense even under the new law, thank God,” said Sini. “MS-13 is a ruthless, savage gang which commits acts of violence to recruit, retain and control its members and exact revenge on its rivals, as well as to extort innocent members of our communities.”

President Trump visited Long Island last summer to address the gang issue, which he blamed on the lax immigration policies.