Major Gang Bust in San Gabriel Valley: Puente-13 Members Apprehended for Drug Trafficking, Gun Sales, and Kidnapping
Authorities have recently apprehended 20 members of the Puente-13 gang in the San Gabriel Valley for their involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, illegal gun sales, shootings, and the kidnapping of two individuals. The U.S. Justice Department made this announcement, and several law enforcement agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Los Angeles Field Division, Covina Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, were involved in executing federal and state warrants on the gang members and their associates. Sixteen individuals were arrested, while three others are still at large, and one associate is already in state custody.
The Puente-13 gang was found to be distributing narcotics like methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. During the investigation, authorities seized around 10 pounds of methamphetamine, numerous fentanyl and carfentanil pills, and a significant number of firearms, including 71 guns, body armor, ammunition, and cash. The charges also included a kidnapping incident from July 2023, where two individuals were abducted because a gang member believed they had stolen his property during a home burglary. One victim was released, while the other escaped after being severely assaulted.
If convicted, nine of the defendants could potentially face life imprisonment in federal prison. The authorities are taking strict action against the Puente-13 gang members to ensure the safety and security of the community.