The first chapter provides an overview of the gang problem in the United States. It focuses on the Crips and Bloods, Los Angeles gangs that engage in drug trafficking not only in Los Angeles but in other major cities throughout the Nation. Other gangs involved in drug trafficking in various U.S. cities are also mentioned. A map of the United States shows which States have significant street gang activity, and a glossary of general gang terms is provided. Two chapters profile prison gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Six chapters describe gangs that have entered the United States from other countries to engage in organized criminal activity. These include Jamaican posses, Colombian drug cartels, the Japanese Yakuza, the Cuban mafia, and Chinese triads. The history of these gangs is traced, and their criminal organization and operations in the United States are described. The final chapter discusses the gang rulers of Chicago. It focuses on individual gang leaders and how they have influenced gang activities in the city. Subject index