Los Angeles County, California – Federal authorities have charged 20 alleged members and associates of the Puente-13 street gang, accusing them of running a wide-ranging criminal operation involving drug trafficking, illegal gun sales, shootings, and a violent kidnapping, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The charges were announced Wednesday following a large, coordinated law-enforcement operation across Southern California that officials say significantly weakened one of the San Gabriel Valley’s most notorious gangs.
Federal Operation Targets Puente-13 Network
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division, involved multiple agencies, including the Covina Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities executed 17 federal and state search warrants simultaneously across Los Angeles County and two neighboring Southern California counties as part of an enforcement effort known as Operation Burning Bridges.
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, ATF Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said investigators believe the operation dealt a decisive blow to the gang’s structure.
“We believe we dismantled this organization,” Cooper said, describing the coordinated takedown as the result of months of surveillance and evidence gathering.
Arrests and Outstanding Suspects
Of the 20 individuals charged, officials confirmed that 17 were arrested on Wednesday during the warrant sweep. Two suspects remain at large, and one additional alleged associate is already in state custody on separate charges.
The defendants are accused of operating as part of a structured criminal enterprise that distributed narcotics, trafficked firearms, and carried out acts of violence to maintain control and intimidate others.
Drugs Seized Include Fentanyl and Carfentanil
According to federal prosecutors, Puente-13 members were responsible for distributing large quantities of dangerous narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil.
Carfentanil is considered one of the most lethal opioids known, estimated to be 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, making even small amounts potentially deadly.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized:
- Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine
- Thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil
Officials emphasized that removing these substances from circulation likely prevented numerous overdoses in the region.
Massive Weapons Cache Recovered
In addition to narcotics, investigators recovered an extensive cache of weapons and ammunition tied to the alleged gang operation.
Authorities reported seizing:
- 71 firearms
- 14 rifles
- One machine-gun conversion device
- Four short-barreled rifles
- Three firearms with obliterated serial numbers
- Three pieces of body armor
- Thousands of rounds of ammunition
- Approximately $9,500 in cash
Federal officials said the volume and variety of weapons underscore the group’s capacity for violence and the threat it posed to public safety.
Kidnapping Linked to July 2023 Incident
Among the most serious allegations is a kidnapping charge tied to a July 2023 incident.
Prosecutors allege that two individuals were abducted against their will after a Puente-13 member believed they possessed his personal belongings, which he thought had been taken during a home burglary earlier that month.
According to investigators:
- One victim was eventually released
- The second victim escaped after being severely beaten
Officials described the incident as an example of how the gang allegedly used violence to enforce control and settle personal disputes.
Potential Sentences Could Include Life in Prison
The charges carry severe penalties. Federal prosecutors stated that nine of the defendants could face life sentences in federal prison if convicted as charged.
Authorities said the case reflects an aggressive federal approach to dismantling gang-run drug and weapons networks, particularly those tied to the spread of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
Ongoing Public Safety Efforts
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with information related to the case or remaining suspects to contact authorities.
They also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing organized crime and preventing gang-related violence from destabilizing local communities.
What Comes Next
The arrested defendants are expected to appear in federal court in the coming days. Prosecutors will continue presenting evidence gathered through wiretaps, surveillance, and undercover operations conducted during the investigation.
Officials say additional charges are possible as the case moves forward.
If you live in the San Gabriel Valley or surrounding areas, authorities encourage residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
