Federal authorities arrested 18 people in Los Angeles' MacArthur Park as part of a crackdown on an open-air drug market, according to multiple reports. The operation targeted fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, with 25 individuals charged in federal court. Seven defendants remain fugitives.
Key Takeaways
Federal authorities arrested 18 people in Los Angeles' MacArthur Park as part of an operation targeting an open-air drug market, according to multiple reports. The crackdown involved federal agents and local police executing arrest warrants and searching businesses allegedly linked to drug trafficking.
- Federal authorities arrested 18 individuals in a drug crackdown at MacArthur Park
- 25 people charged; seven remain fugitives
- Alleged main suppliers of fentanyl and methamphetamine were among those arrested
- DEA, LAPD, and LA Sheriff’s Department collaborated on the operation
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working alongside the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and LA Sheriff’s Department, conducted surveillance operations and made undercover drug purchases as part of a two-month-long investigation. According to The Guardian, authorities allege that two defendants, who are a couple, served as main suppliers of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the area on behalf of the 18th Street gang.
The Los Angeles Times reported that First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli dubbed the operation 'Operation Free MacArthur Park.' The DEA seized approximately 19 kilograms of fentanyl from one defendant's residence, according to CBS News. Authorities also served six search warrants at businesses along the Alvarado corridor and three additional warrants in Southern California.
The crackdown is part of a series of efforts targeting drug trafficking in MacArthur Park. In March, federal authorities arrested 12 members of the 18th Street gang on charges including murder and drug trafficking. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that today's operation demonstrated the department's commitment to dismantling drug operations in the park.
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