A major drug raid tied to the ongoing crackdown around MacArthur Park has led to five more arrests.
Federal prosecutors warned they are ramping up efforts to dismantle the open-air drug trade that has overtaken the neighborhood.
The latest operation was announced by US Attorney Bill Essayli Friday, who said the arrests stemmed from a Thursday evening operation on May 14.
The raid was conducted by Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Division narcotics detectives along the 600 block of Alvarado Street, directly across from the park.
“We promised the public a continued law enforcement presence at the park, and today we provide a critical update on an outstanding arrest,” Essayli wrote in a public statement.
According to authorities, detectives observed activity consistent with narcotics sales before detaining five individuals who were allegedly working inside nearby businesses.
LAPD Rampart Division narcotics detectives conducted another major drug raid near MacArthur Park on May 14. Ringo ChiuDuring the investigation, officers seized fentanyl, prescription medication, and what officials described as a large amount of U.S. currency, according to a statement.
All five suspects were booked on state charges, while federal prosecutors are now reviewing whether additional federal narcotics charges will be filed alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The arrests mark the latest chapter in an aggressive multi-agency crackdown surrounding MacArthur Park, which federal officials have increasingly described as one of Los Angeles’ most entrenched open-air drug markets.
Bill Essayli announced five new arrests tied to a narcotics operation across from MacArthur Park. F.A. United States Attorney Bill EssayliThe operation follows a massive May 6 federal sweep dubbed “Operation Free MacArthur Park.”
During that raid, DEA agents and federal prosecutors targeted alleged fentanyl distributors tied to gangs operating in and around the park.
Federal agents stormed a South Los Angeles stash house linked to alleged drug traffickers accused of supplying narcotics into the MacArthur Park corridor.
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Federal authorities say the latest crackdown around MacArthur Park is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle one of Los Angeles’ largest open-air narcotics markets. Rafael Fontoura for California PostAuthorities said suspects allegedly attempted to flush fentanyl down a toilet as agents breached the fortified apartment.
Federal authorities said the broader May 6 crackdown targeted members and associates connected to the 18th Street Gang, MS-13, and the Crazy Riders, organizations prosecutors say control much of the fentanyl and methamphetamine trade feeding the area around MacArthur Park.
Authorities announced 39 arrests during the coordinated operation and seized nearly 40 pounds of fentanyl in one related raid alone, with an estimated street value of roughly $10 million.
