Toronto police are describing a predawn raid as the largest anti-gang initiative in its history.

In total, 65 people associated with a violent street gang called the Malvern Crew were arrested. Members of the gang face more than 500 charges, including drugs and guns offences.

Eighty of the charges fall under new Criminal Code legislation that prohibits participation in a criminal organization.

Chief Julian Fantino

At least two of the gang's members have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Toronto police seized dozens of weapons and a large quantity of drugs during the raids, including 100,000 hits of ecstasy.

According to police, drugs were the main source of income for the Malvern Crew. But the gang also made money by trafficking in guns imported from the United States.

Police spokesperson Bill Blair says the gang was also involved in a wide variety of other crimes, including robbery, fraud, auto theft and extortion.

Blair says its random acts of violence also terrorized parts of Toronto, "in order to protect their turf; to broaden their markets; to intimidate the communities in which they operate; to intimidate potential witnesses against them; to fend off intrusion of rival criminal organizations."

Blair says more than 80 of the gang's members are being charged under new legislation that prohibits participating in a criminal organization.

Police Chief Julian Fantino says the law has been used to prosecute biker gangs in the past. This is the first time it has been applied to a street gang.

"It allows us to target the leaders – those who direct and initiate the gangs activities, those who normally insulate themselves from law enforcement action," he said.

Fantino says the arrests have effectively dismantled the Malvern Crew.