Federal Raids in Los Angeles Net 18 Arrests and 40 Pounds of Fentanyl
Similar Articles
Federal Agents Restricted from Arrests at Manhattan Immigration Courts
Three Sentenced for Cocaine Smuggling Using Printers
Protesters Sue DHS and FBI to Halt DNA Collection at Peaceful Demonstrations
Border Patrol Reports Increased Arrests in Key Sectors Amid Ongoing Enforcement
Austin Police Search for Two Suspects in Series of Random Weekend Shootings
Federal authorities arrested 18 people on Wednesday in connection with selling illicit drugs near MacArthur Park. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that 40 pounds of fentanyl were seized from a single home, and investigators have targeted the Sinaloa Cartel as the suppliers. Seven other individuals remain fugitives.
Facts First
- Federal authorities arrested 18 people on charges related to selling fentanyl and methamphetamine near MacArthur Park.
- Agents seized 40 pounds of fentanyl from a single home during the raids, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
- The operation involved over 200 personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
- Investigators have targeted the Sinaloa Cartel as the suppliers for drugs in the area.
- Seven other individuals remain fugitives following the operation.
What Happened
Federal authorities arrested 18 people on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, on charges related to selling illicit drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine near MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that authorities seized 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of fentanyl from a single home during the raids. A criminal complaint alleges a couple from South Los Angeles, Mallaly Moreno-Lopez and Jackson Tarfur, are main sources of drugs sold in the park, generally on behalf of the 18th Street Gang. The other defendants were caught selling drugs to undercover federal agents after being surveilled. Anthony Chrysanthis, the special agent in charge of the DEA in Los Angeles, stated Wednesday's operation involved more than 200 personnel from the DEA. Bill Essayli, an appointee of President Donald Trump, stated the operation began Tuesday night, with three warrants executed at residences in other Southern California locations and six warrants served at businesses found to be selling narcotics in MacArthur Park.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in or near the MacArthur Park area, this large-scale operation may lead to a noticeable, though potentially temporary, reduction in overt drug sales and related crime in the neighborhood. The seizure of a significant quantity of fentanyl could disrupt the local supply chain and might reduce the immediate risk of overdose deaths in the community. The city's concurrent project to improve the park with new landscaping and walking paths suggests local officials are attempting to address both the symptoms and root causes of disorder in the area, which could lead to long-term improvements in public safety and quality of life.
What's Next
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Authorities will continue to pursue the seven individuals who remain fugitives. The investigation into the drug supply chain appears to be ongoing, as federal officials have stated they are targeting the Sinaloa Cartel as the suppliers for the area. The effectiveness of this enforcement action in creating lasting change in the heavily contested gang territory around MacArthur Park may depend on sustained law enforcement pressure and the success of the city's concurrent park improvement project.