Key Takeaways
- 17 members and associates of the Puente-13 gang were arrested in a gang sweep in the San Gabriel Valley
- The gang is linked to the Mexican Mafia and is suspected of drug trafficking, kidnapping, and selling weapons
- The arrests were the result of a three-year investigation involving local and federal law enforcement agencies
- Over 70 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of narcotics were seized during the operation
- The gang is believed to control the distribution of narcotics in its territory through violence and threats of violence
Introduction to the Gang Sweep
A recent gang sweep in the San Gabriel Valley, California, resulted in the arrest of 17 members and associates of the Puente-13 gang, which is linked to the Mexican Mafia. The arrests were made on suspicion of various crimes, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, and selling weapons. The operation was a combined effort between local law enforcement agencies and federal agents, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The gang sweep was the culmination of a three-year investigation, which utilized advanced investigative techniques such as telephonic and social media electronic intercepts.
The Investigation and Arrests
The investigation into the Puente-13 gang began approximately three years ago, with the ATF working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build a case against the gang. The gang is believed to be based in La Puente and controls the distribution of narcotics in its territory through violence and threats of violence. During the investigation, agents recovered a significant amount of evidence, including 76 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil. The arrests were made at over 20 locations, with 17 members and associates of the gang being taken into custody.
The Charges and Seizures
The charges against the gang members and associates include two shootings, kidnapping, and illegal sales of weapons and drugs. In addition to the arrests, a significant amount of evidence was seized, including firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. The seized firearms included 14 rifles, a machine gun conversion device, and four short-barreled rifles. The narcotics seized included approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, thousands of M30 fentanyl and carfentanil pills, and fentanyl powder. The operation also resulted in the seizure of $9,500 in cash and various stolen goods. The ATF and local law enforcement agencies worked together to execute federal and state warrants on the gang members and associates, with the goal of disrupting the gang’s activities and making the community safer.
The Impact of the Operation
The gang sweep and arrests are expected to have a significant impact on the community, with the removal of dangerous gang members and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and firearms. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, the operation has taken many guns off the street, as well as a large quantity of narcotics and ammunition. The sheriff praised the work of the ATF and local law enforcement agencies, stating that the operation has made the community safer. The ATF also received assistance from several other law enforcement agencies, including the Covina Police Department, the West Covina Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the Baldwin Park Police Department.
The Gang’s Activities and Control
The Puente-13 gang is believed to control the distribution of narcotics in its territory, which includes the San Gabriel Valley. The gang maintains its control through violence and threats of violence, punishing those who cooperate with law enforcement. The gang’s activities are not limited to narcotics distribution, as they are also suspected of kidnapping and selling weapons. The gang’s link to the Mexican Mafia adds to its influence and control in the area. The ATF and local law enforcement agencies are working to disrupt the gang’s activities and make the community safer. The investigation and arrests are a significant step in this effort, and the community can expect to see continued efforts to combat gang activity in the area.
Conclusion and Future Efforts
The gang sweep and arrests in the San Gabriel Valley are a significant victory for law enforcement agencies, with the removal of dangerous gang members and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and firearms. The operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies. The community can expect to see continued efforts to combat gang activity in the area, with the goal of making the community safer. The ATF and local law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to disrupt gang activities and bring those responsible to justice. The investigation and arrests are a significant step in this effort, and the community can expect to see positive results from these efforts.
