Feds sweep into Los Angeles' MacArthur Park in operation against 'open-air drug market'
Authorities say 200 DEA personnel and 70 LAPD officers targeted cartel-linked dealers in an operation that seized 9 kilos of fentanyl.
- On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, federal and local law enforcement launched a massive raid at MacArthur Park, arresting at least 17 people. Agents seized 9 kilograms of fentanyl valued at $8 million to $10 million.
- Officials targeted the area to dismantle cartel-linked distribution networks plaguing the community. This operation builds on 2025 city efforts, when extra patrols reduced violent crime and open drug use around the park.
- Dubbed 'Operation Free MacArthur Park,' the raid mobilized 200 DEA personnel and 70 LAPD officers. Agents breached businesses with power tools, taking the park's alleged '#1 drug trafficker' into federal custody.
- First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli described the action as a liberation, stating, 'Anyone who's been down here lately knows this park has been taken over.' Authorities aim to dismantle the open-air drug market permanently.
- Ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, DEA officials aim to 'clean up the community' to ensure public safety and enhance the area's reputation. This strategic timing underscores the operation's broader significance for the region.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Feds seize mountain of fentanyl from 'open-air drug market' in massive crackdown targeting gang crews
MacArthur Park in Los Angeles was the target of a sweeping federal operation that led to at least 18 arrests and over $10 million in fentanyl seized, authorities say.
300 Federal Agents Target $10M Fentanyl Operation in L.A.'s Open-Air Drug Market
When your local councilmember's district requires a multi-agency military-style operation to address what amounts to a cartel-run open-air drug supermarket, you've moved well beyond the scope of disaster tourism. The post 300 Federal Agents Target $10M Fentanyl Operation in L.A.’s Open-Air Drug Market first appeared on Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion.
U.S. authorities arrested 18 people today on charges related to the sale of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Daily Bulletin
Feds, LA police target MacArthur Park drug dealers in major bust, arresting 18 suspects and seizing fentanyl, other narcotics
Federal officials will continue monitoring the area and could conduct further operations, officials said.
The Toronto Star
Federal authorities arrest 18 for alleged drug distribution around Los Angeles park
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal authorities said they arrested 18 people Wednesday on charges related to selling illicit drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine around a Los Angeles park.
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