The FBI announced a sweeping crackdown that saw 36 joint operations, more than 200 arrests, and the seizure of a staggering amount of illegal drugs.
Operation Coast to Coast: A Nationwide Effort
The Los Angeles office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations said it added extra resources for Operation Coast to Coast during December. The operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative that was launched after an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. Its stated goal is to dismantle “criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad,” according to the FBI.
Arrests and Seizures in the Los Angeles Area
During the operation, 92 criminal complaints were filed after 223 people were arrested in the Los Angeles area. Agents executed eight search warrants, including one in Mexico. The warrants led to the confiscation of:
- Over 102 kilograms of fentanyl
- 470 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 1.5 kilograms of cocaine
- 29 firearms
Cash worth approximately $3,000 was also seized. The FBI highlighted that more than 130 people were detained at illegal gambling establishments, known as “casitas,” across Los Angeles.
Targeting Casitas and Other Gang-Run Operations
The FBI said that casitas operated by Los Angeles-area gangs were used to sell narcotics. Prostitution and firearms trafficking were also conducted from these venues. The operation extended beyond the city limits: casitas were searched in Montclair and San Bernardino as well.
In Long Beach, the FBI arrested alleged members of several street gangs, including Florencia-13, Tortilla Flags, and East Side Longos. These arrests were for drug trafficking and firearms violations. Additionally, at least one man was arrested for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Local Partnerships
The FBI noted that local agencies were integral partners in the operation. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were among the agencies that collaborated with federal officials for Operation Coast to Coast.
Key Takeaways
- 36 joint operations led to over 200 arrests and massive drug seizures.
- The FBI seized 102 kg of fentanyl, 470 kg of meth, 1.5 kg of cocaine, and 29 firearms.
- More than 130 people were detained at casitas across Los Angeles, Montclair, and San Bernardino.
- Arrests in Long Beach included members of Florencia-13, Tortilla Flags, and East Side Longos, with one suspect charged with distributing CSAM.
- Local law-enforcement partners played a crucial role in the nationwide crackdown.
The FBI’s announcement underscores the scale of the operation and the continued effort to disrupt criminal networks across the United States.
