Federal authorities charged 81 alleged gang members following a major Puerto Rico drug trafficking investigation.
Federal prosecutors have charged 81 Puerto Rico gang members for their involvement in a violent drug trafficking group operating, following a federal investigation that led to the arrests of dozens of defendants. The case centers on Los Baja Deo (LBD), which authorities say had been active for years in Mayagüez and nearby communities. A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned the indictment August 19. The defendants face charges involving drug trafficking and illegal firearms after prosecutors allege the group distributed large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana while also trafficking firearms and ammunition.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the group was responsible for distributing at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or drugs containing fentanyl and at least 2,200 kilograms of cocaine during the years covered by the case. Investigators estimate that the operation produced more than $49 million in proceeds. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of 21 firearms, according to federal officials, who found that members of the group used different roles to keep the operation running, including leaders, suppliers, drug sellers, runners, lookouts, enforcers and people who helped to arrange or support the drug sales.
Authorities have also accused gang members of using violence to protect the organization. The indictment alleges that gang members carried out shootings, kidnappings and murders when they believed the group or its members faced threats. Members communicated through cellphones, social media, instant messaging and two-way radios. The drugs were sold within 1,000 feet of multiple public housing communities, including Sábalo Gardens, Cuesta Las Piedras, Yagüez, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Columbus Landing, Jardines de Concordia, Monte Isleño and Mar y Sol.
Federal officials said the arrests were part of the Homeland Security Task Force effort, which brings together law enforcement agencies in investigations involving violent gangs, drug trafficking groups and other criminal organizations. The operation involved the FBI, Puerto Rico Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Several other agencies assisted with the arrests, including the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Puerto Rico National Guard and police teams from several Puerto Rico communities. The joint operation was led through the San Juan Homeland Security Task Force.
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81 Puerto Rico Gang Members Charged in Drug, Gun Bust
Puerto Rican Drug Trafficking Efforts Busted With Over 80 Alleged Gang Members Charged
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