LOS ANGELES, CA – Five individuals were arrested on state charges Thursday evening following a targeted narcotics enforcement operation in the MacArthur Park area, federal officials announced Friday.
The Raid Near Alvarado Street
Rampart Division narcotics detectives conducted the operation around the 600 block of South Alvarado Street, directly across from MacArthur Park. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, detectives intervened during an active scene of illegal drug sales.
The five suspects detained were identified as employees of a nearby business. During the raid, officers seized:
- Fentanyl
- Prescription medication
- A large amount of U.S. currency
Federal Charges Under Consideration
While the suspects currently face state charges, federal prosecutors are reviewing the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that his office is working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Los Angeles to determine if federal charges will be filed.
Essayli also reiterated law enforcement’s promise to maintain a continuous, heavy presence in and around the park to deter criminal activity.
Part Of A Larger Enforcement Wave
This operation follows the massive “Operation Free MacArthur Park” executed earlier this month, where DEA special agents and LAPD detectives arrested at least 18 people suspected of drug trafficking.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the department will continue its close collaboration with federal agents to aggressively crack down on local narcotics trafficking networks.
