Five people were arrested on state charges following a narcotics enforcement operation in the MacArthur Park area, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.
Authorities said Rampart Division narcotics detectives conducted the operation Thursday evening around the 600 block of South Alvarado Street, across from MacArthur Park.
Officials said an active scene of narcotics sales led to the detention of five people, who were also employees of a nearby business. Officers seized fentanyl, prescription medication and a large amount of U.S. currency, authorities said.
“Five suspects were arrested on state charges, while my office determines whether to bring federal charges with the Drug Enforcement Administration in Los Angeles against these suspects,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli on X.
Earlier this month, during “Operation Free MacArthur Park,” U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agents and Los Angeles Police Department detectives arrested at least 18 people suspected of supplying illegal drugs and of drug trafficking in the MacArthur Park area.
In an interview with NBCLA, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said the department would continue working with federal agents to crack down on narcotics trafficking.
Essayli also reiterated the promise that was made to the public of continued law enforcement presence at the park