Los Angeles County, California – Federal authorities have arrested 16 alleged gang members and associates tied to a violent Mexican Mafia-linked street gang, following a multi-year investigation into shootings, kidnappings, illegal firearms trafficking, and large-scale drug distribution across the San Gabriel Valley.
The arrests target members of Puente-13, a street gang prosecutors describe as operating under the authority of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, enforcing control through violence and narcotics sales. According to federal officials, the takedown follows a three-year investigation that uncovered a pattern of retaliatory attacks, intimidation, and drug trafficking involving some of the most dangerous substances on the street today.
Federal investigation exposes violent gang operations
The investigation began after a 2022 fatal shooting in Covina, where prosecutors allege a Puente-13 member opened fire on rival gang members at a residence. During the getaway, the suspect reportedly tripped and lost a shoe, which investigators later used as physical evidence to help identify and connect him to the crime.
Federal authorities say that incident opened the door to a much wider probe, revealing a network of gang activity that included kidnapping, attempted murder, illegal weapons sales, and narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and carfentanil.
Authorities allege the gang operated as a profit-generating arm of the Mexican Mafia, controlling drug distribution within its territory and punishing anyone suspected of cooperating with law enforcement.
Kidnapping, shootings, and intimidation detailed in charges
Court documents outline several violent incidents tied to the defendants. In July 2023, multiple gang members allegedly kidnapped two individuals they believed had stolen property from them during a burglary. One of the victims reportedly escaped after enduring a severe beating.
In another incident in May 2025, prosecutors say a gang member opened fire on a man’s vehicle outside a La Puente liquor store after mistakenly identifying him as a rival gang member. Investigators allege the suspect later confronted the same individual at a nearby car wash, shouting the gang’s name before launching the attack.
Federal affidavits describe these incidents as part of a broader pattern of violence used to assert territorial control and instill fear within the community.
Massive weapons and drug seizure
Over the course of the investigation, federal agents seized a significant cache of illegal items, including:
- Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine
- Thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil
- 76 firearms, including rifles, short-barreled weapons, and a machine-gun conversion device
- Body armor and large quantities of ammunition
- Nearly $10,000 in cash
Officials emphasized the danger posed by carfentanil, a synthetic opioid estimated to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl, capable of causing fatal overdoses in extremely small amounts.
Officials highlight public safety impact
Federal prosecutors described the arrests as a major blow to organized criminal activity in Southern California.
“The arrest of these gang members demonstrates that federal law enforcement is focused on removing the most dangerous criminals from our streets,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, noting the goal of restoring safety to affected neighborhoods.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that the case grew from a single shooting into a far-reaching federal investigation due to close coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
“What began as one incident ultimately became a much larger, standalone investigation,” an ATF spokesperson said, citing the scale of the evidence detailed in the federal complaint.
Officials also stressed the broader impact of removing large quantities of narcotics from circulation, noting that street-level drug distribution fuels addiction, violence, and long-term harm to families and communities.
Charges, sentences, and ongoing investigation
In total, 20 individuals have been charged, with two suspects still at large, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. All defendants taken into custody are confirmed to be U.S. citizens.
Prosecutors say nine defendants face potential life sentences if convicted on the most serious charges, which include racketeering, drug trafficking, firearms violations, and violent crimes.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from ATF, California Highway Patrol, local police departments, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Officials declined to comment on whether additional arrests or raids may follow.
Community impact and next steps
Authorities say the takedown represents years of surveillance, undercover work, and coordination across multiple agencies, underscoring the long-term effort required to dismantle organized criminal networks tied to prison gangs.
As the case moves through federal court, law enforcement officials say the focus remains on disrupting gang operations, protecting communities, and preventing future violence tied to drug trafficking and organized crime.
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