Federal agents in Los Angeles conduct MacArthur Park drug enforcement operation
Federal agents flooded the MacArthur Park area in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, in what First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli called "Operation Free MacArthur Park," a two-month-long operation.
During a news conference at the park, Essayli said, "The federal government, in partnership with our local law enforcement, has taken over the park this afternoon to liberate the park from an open-air drug market that's proliferated here for too long."
He said agents are targeting street dealers of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and that 25 arrest warrants, along with eight search warrants, were executed today, six of which were for businesses neighboring the park. According to officials, approximately 19 kilograms of fentanyl were seized, 18 people were arrested, and seven are considered fugitives.
Aerial footage showed agents at bordering businesses, looking through store supplies. Video taken by DEA agents at today's operation shows attempts to flush drugs down the toilet, and agents were seen carrying large boxes out from the open-air markets as well.
Essayli said the park's top drug trafficker, a 40-year-old Calabasas resident, is in federal custody. He also pointed to a March enforcement operation, where twelve members of the park's 18th Street gang were arrested on federal charges alleging murder and drug trafficking.
"In March, we arrested their leadership. Today, we're arresting the street dealers and the suppliers who've been selling drugs openly here at MacArthur Park," Essayli said.
Anthony Chrysanthis, DEA Special Agent in Charge, commented on the six search warrants served to businesses allegedly selling narcotics in the Alvarado corridor, adding that an additional three warrants were served at various Southern California locations earlier today.
"Today's operation is only one step taken by a handful of agencies working hard to alleviate anguish and the sense of hopelessness flanking MacArthur Park," he said. Investigators targeted the Sinaloa Cartel as suppliers of the fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said three people have been identified for dealing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in MacArthur Park.
"I promised our community members and warned the criminals that the LAPD would not stand idle if they dared to reorganize and continue their deadly trade, as today's operation illustrated," McDonnell said.
