LAPD, DEA Sweep MacArthur Park, Making 13 Arrests in Phase 2 of Anti-Fentanyl Push
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 5
LAPD, DEA Sweep MacArthur Park, Making 13 Arrests in Phase 2 of Anti-Fentanyl Push
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 5
Summary
13 arrests were made within the first hour of a major LAPD-DEA operation at MacArthur Park, where officers also seized needles, pipes and other drug paraphernalia.
The sweep targeted what authorities call an open-air fentanyl and meth market run by gangs and dealers, while LAPD stressed it was not an immigration operation.
Paramedics responded to multiple overdoses and medical emergencies in the park, underscoring officials' claim that the area has become a public-safety and health crisis.
Thursday's action is the second of three "Free MacArthur Park" phases and follows a May raid that arrested 18 suspects and seized nearly 19 kilograms of fentanyl worth about $8 million to $10 million.
A third phase is planned to shift from enforcement to treatment services as Los Angeles pushes to reclaim the park ahead of the World Cup.