Federal authorities say they've arrested 18 people on charges related to selling illicit drugs around a Los Angeles Park. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrests Wednesday at MacArthur Park. He says two of the people arrested are considered to be the main source of fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in the park.
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Here's how to start yoursFDA announces its first OK of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults in major shift under TrumpThe iPhone 16, new AirPods and other highlights from Apple's product showcaseDear Readers: Yes, pen pal programs still exist in a digital worldCosmetic interventions are booming. Many say ethical conversations are laggingEstrenos de verano: Nolan, Spider-Man y"Toy Story" iluminan los cinesDrug Enforcement Administration agents alongside other law enforcement officers work the scene near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
A law enforcement officer stands on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Law enforcement vehicles are seen near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Law enforcement officers stand on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. A man holding a pipe stands hunched over at MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents alongside other law enforcement officers work the scene near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Drug Enforcement Administration agents alongside other law enforcement officers work the scene near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
A law enforcement officer stands on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. A law enforcement officer stands on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Law enforcement vehicles are seen near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Law enforcement vehicles are seen near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Law enforcement officers stand on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. Law enforcement officers stand on a street near MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
A man holding a pipe stands hunched over at MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. A man holding a pipe stands hunched over at MacArthur Park after federal authorities made arrests on charges related to selling illicit drugs on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities said they arrested 18 people Wednesday on charges related to selling illicit drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine around a Los Angeles park. In this week’s raids, authorities seized 40 pounds of fentanyl from a single home, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Two of the people arrested, a couple from South Los Angeles, are believed to be the main sources of those drugs sold in the park, which were stashed in storefronts and distributed to street-level dealers, authorities said.
“We’re here today because California policy has failed,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said during a news conference announcing the arrests. “MacArthur Park should be for families, should be for residents of Los Angeles, not for drug dealers and gangsters. ” Essayli announced the arrests alongside officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Los Angeles Police Department in the park. It has drawn numerous homeless encampments and has been the site of open-air drug use in recent years.
Aerial TV news footage showed agents gathered outside a strip of businesses across from the park, with one appearing to use a chain saw to cut through a business’s wall. Essayli posted video on the social platform X of LAPD officers assisting with the effort and a home in a residential neighborhood being raided.
Essayli, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said the area’s struggles are a result of failed California policies including lax consequences for drug users and programs that involve handing out clean needles and Narcan, a life-saving emergency medication for fentanyl overdose. Wednesday’s operation involved more than 200 personnel from the DEA, said Anthony Chrysanthis, special agent in charge of the department in Los Angeles.
Essayli said the operation began Tuesday night, with three warrants executed in the morning at residences in other locations in Southern California. Six warrants were served at businesses found to be selling narcotics in MacArthur Park. Ding covers California breaking news for The Associated Press. She focuses on law enforcement and the courts, and is based in Los Angeles.
Crime Bill Essayli Medication Opioids Law Enforcement General News Domestic News California X Corp. Homelessness Health Courts U.S. News Anthony Chrysanthis Methamphetamines Drug Crimes Indictments Donald Trump U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
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