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18 Arrested, Drugs Seized in Multi-Agency Southern California Operation

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"Law enforcement will remain in the area," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, noting the operation is ongoing.

Major Drug Bust in Southern California: 18 Arrested, Massive Fentanyl Haul Seized

Law enforcement officials have arrested 18 individuals and seized a significant quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine following a multi-agency operation in Southern California. The arrests were announced jointly by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Wednesday.

The Operation

The operation, which began Tuesday night, involved more than 200 DEA personnel and approximately 100 LAPD officers. Nine search warrants were executed across six locations in MacArthur Park and three in Calabasas, San Gabriel, and South Los Angeles.

Arrests and Charges

A federal criminal complaint charges 25 defendants with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. Of these, 18 individuals have been arrested, and seven remain fugitives.

  • Four defendants face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison if convicted.
  • Other defendants face up to 20 years.

The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Seized Drugs

Approximately 19 kilograms (about 40 pounds) of fentanyl were seized from a single residence.

The DEA has estimated the value of the seized fentanyl at $8–10 million. Officials stated the drugs are believed to originate from the Sinaloa cartel.

Identified Defendants

According to the criminal complaint:

  • Mallaly Moreno-Lopez and Jackson Tarfur of South Los Angeles are identified as primary sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine for the Alvarado Corridor and MacArthur Park. The complaint alleges the couple acted on behalf of the 18th Street Gang.
  • Yolanda Iriarte-Avila of Calabasas is identified as a methamphetamine source for Moreno-Lopez, with the complaint alleging supply via her boyfriend Jesus Morales-Landel.

The complaint documents 27 alleged drug deals occurring between March 9 and April 15 in the MacArthur Park area.

Statements from Officials

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell attributed the drug trade to criminal street gangs, prison gangs, and cartels.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis said the park has been reclaimed for the public.

Mayor Karen Bass expressed a commitment to restoring the park.

Context

The Department of Justice has described the park as an open-air drug market. The area is characterized by high poverty and homelessness and is reported to be contested gang territory involving the 18th Street, Crazy Riders, and MS-13 gangs.

DEA officials noted the operation also aims to prepare the community for the 2028 Olympics and World Cup.