4 Indicted In Gang Battle Over Drug Territory

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A federal indictment says conspiracy charges against four men in Minneapolis are the result of rival gangs battling over drug territory and retaliating for the slaying of a gang member.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says the indictment details an ongoing war between members of the 1-9 Block Dipset, Tre Tre Crips and Young-N-Thuggin gangs. Three alleged members of the 1-9 Block Dipset gang are in custody and awaiting court appearances. Prosecutors have not named the fourth defendant because he's not in custody.

Prosecutors say the men conspired to distribute heroin and have extensive criminal histories that prohibit them from possessing firearms. Authorities say they recovered a number of weapons during the investigation.