Takedown Targets Open-Air Drug Market at L.A.'s MacArthur Park, Long an Area Run by Gang Members and Homeless Drug Users

[TBoneTX 49,707]

This is quite a complete press release.

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Takedown Targets Open-Air Drug Market at L.A.'s MacArthur Park, Long an Area Run by Gang Members and Homeless Drug Users

 

LOS ANGELES – Eighteen defendants, including two people law enforcement believes are the main sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Los Angeles's gang- and drug-infested MacArthur Park, have been arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging them with a federal drug trafficking offense, the Justice Department announced today.

The complaint charges 25 defendants with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.

At one defendant's Calabasas residence, law enforcement seized approximately 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fentanyl.

The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances tomorrow afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.  Seven defendants are considered fugitives.

"Today, we begin reclaiming MacArthur Park from criminals and drug addicts to return this public space to the citizens of Los Angeles," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli.  "Together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we are executing multiple arrest and search warrants targeting those who are distributing drugs in and around the park."

"For far too long, MacArthur Park has been plagued by drug addiction, crime, and despair," said Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Los Angeles Field Division.  "Today's operation is only one step, taken by a handful of agencies working hard to alleviate the anguish and sense of hopelessness burdening MacArthur Park, local businesses, and the surrounding neighborhood.  While this is a drug enforcement operation, it is also an effort to restore safety and wellness, and to return MacArthur Park back to the community."

"Today's operation [...]

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/takedown-targets-open-air-drug-market-las-macarthur-park-long-area-run-gang-members