In a sweeping operation that rattled the San Gabriel Valley, authorities charged 20 members of the Puente-13 street gang with drug trafficking, illegal gun sales, shootings and the kidnapping of two people.
Operation Burning Bridges
ATF Los Angeles Field Division, Covina Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other partners executed federal and state warrants on Wednesday afternoon. ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said, “We believe we dismantled his organization.” Seventeen search warrants were served simultaneously across three Southern California counties under the operation.
Evidence Seized
The gang distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. Authorities seized roughly 10 pounds of meth, thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil, 71 firearms (including 14 rifles, one machine-gun conversion device, four short-barreled rifles and three serial-number-obliterated weapons), three pieces of body armor, thousands of rounds of ammunition and about $9,500 in cash.
Kidnapping Incident
The kidnapping charge comes from a July 2023 event. Two people were taken against their will because a gang member believed they possessed his belongings taken during a home burglary earlier that month. One victim was released, while the other escaped after being severely beaten.
Legal Consequences
Of the 20 individuals, 17 were arrested Wednesday, two remain at large, and one alleged associate is already in state custody. If convicted, nine defendants could face a life sentence in federal prison.
Key Takeaways
- 20 Puente-13 members charged with drug trafficking, gun sales, shootings and kidnapping.
- Operation Burning Bridges involved 17 simultaneous warrants across three counties.
- Seized evidence included 10 pounds of meth, 71 firearms, and $9,500 cash.
The bust underscores the federal effort to dismantle violent street gangs in Southern California.
