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LOS ANGELES () — The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting an anti-drug operation in MacArthur Park alongside agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
AIR7 flew over the scene as dozens of law enforcement personnel were seen staged at the park, while some canvased the area. The operation began at about 9 p.m. Wednesday.
No further details were immediately known about Wednesday’s operation, including if anyone was detained or arrested.
This is part of the second of three phases, that began in May, of what authorities are calling “Free MacArthur Park,” which aims to address what the DOJ described as an open-air drug market running rampant in the park, involving massive amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Authorities say the third phase of this joint operation will aim at addressing drug use through treatment services, which leaders describe as a more compassionate approach.
May’s operation focused mainly on MacArthur Park but also included arrests in Calabasas, San Gabriel and South L.A., according to the DEA.
Law enforcement arrested 18 people in that raid, including two who they believe are the main sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine in MacArthur Park.
The 18 suspects were arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging them with a federal drug trafficking offense, the Department of Justice announced. The complaint charges 25 defendants with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance.
The LAPD, alongside Drug Enforcement Administration agents, conducted another major narcotics operation at MacArthur Park on June 4, ahead of the World Cup.
In less than an hour, LAPD made 13 arrests for offenses, including public drinking and other quality of life violations. Officers also recovered needles, pipes and other drug paraphernalia during the sweep. Paramedics were also called to multiple overdoses and medical emergencies inside the park.
However, LAPD says the bigger target is the network of gangs and drug dealers, they believe, have taken over the park.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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