TAMPA — A suspected leader of the Sur 13 gang received a 7 1/2-year federal prison sentence for drug trafficking Wednesday.

Gilberto "Wito" Villanueva, 20, pleaded guilty in September to selling cocaine, possessing cocaine and possessing an unregistered short-barrel shotgun.

His arrest in June was one of dozens made during a 10-month crackdown on illegal gang activity in eastern Hillsborough. Tampa was one of six areas in the country to get a $2.5-million share of $15-million in federal

Local authorities dubbed their review "Operation: Pura Tranza" — which translates into "pure business" — considering Villanueva had that mantra tattooed by his shaved eyebrows.

In addition to his 90-month sentence, he must serve five years of supervised release.

"I just want to do my duration and put that behind me," Villanueva told U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr.

- Colleen Jenkins, Times staff writer

Original post by Times staff