SYRACUSE -- Federal authorities say they are charging 11 gang members with various crimes in an ongoing initiative to rid this upstate New York city of gang violence.

U.S. Attorney Glenn Suddaby says eight of the 11 are already in custody. The eight men range in age from 18 to 27. They are being charged under federal racketeering laws with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and unlawful possession of firearms.

Suddaby says the defendants were from various gangs operating on the east side of Syracuse.

If convicted, some of the defendants could face up to 40 years in federal prison and fines of up to $4 million.