MS-13 Drug Trafficking Bust in LA: Addressing the Cycle of Violence In a significant blow to the notorious gang MS-13, 17 alleged members have been arrested in an early morning operation across the Los Angeles area. This operation, a result of a sweeping investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of methamphetamine, underscores the urgent need to combat the cycle of violence perpetuated by gangs like MS-13. The arrests were part of a federal grand jury indictment that charges 23 members and associates of MS-13 with illicit drug and gun crimes. The indictment reveals the scope and scale of the drug operation, highlighting how violence was used by the gang to expand their empire while enriching their imprisoned leader. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department played a crucial role in the operation, resulting in the seizure of several pounds of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with nine firearms and approximately $94,000 in cash. The successful operation sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is notorious for its violent activities and has tens of thousands of members across multiple states and Central American countries. United States Attorney Martin Estrada aptly describes the gang as one of the largest and most violent in North America, victimizing immigrants from Central America and Mexico in particular. The drug-trafficking conspiracy exposed by this indictment highlights the primary method through which MS-13 finances its activities of violence and destruction. The gang’s leaders orchestrate drug trafficking to generate money, with only gang members, associates, or those with permission allowed to sell drugs within the gang’s territory. This case centers around the Los Angeles area, which was seemingly controlled by an unidentified Mexican Mafia member from within prison. Two high-ranking members of MS-13, Pavel Hurtado and Eli Grijalva, acted as the main “shot-callers” for the drug trafficking operation in Los Angeles, communicating with the imprisoned leader and coordinating criminal efforts on behalf of the gang. The grand jury indictment further reveals that MS-13 affiliated cliques in Los Angeles were required to purchase methamphetamine from Herlyn Barrientos, with profits being kicked back to the gang’s incarcerated leader. Agustín Aquino-Martínez served as the gang’s treasurer, collecting various “taxes” from drug dealers associated with MS-13 and ensuring the leader received his share of the profits. The charges in the grand jury indictment include conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a loaded “ghost gun.” The defendants arrested are expected to face arraignment in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. If convicted, they could receive significant sentences, including life in federal prison for those charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine. The arrest of these alleged MS-13 members is a significant step in dismantling the gang’s operations and addressing the cycle of violence they perpetuate. LAPD Chief Michel Moore emphasizes the meaningful and lasting impact these arrests will have on crime in Los Angeles, as it removes the leadership and the most violent members of MS-13 from the streets. As personal injury bloggers, we recognize the importance of combating gang violence and drug trafficking to protect our communities. The arrests made in this operation serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens. Please note: The names of the alleged members have been intentionally omitted to respect the legal process and the discretion of the law enforcement agencies involved.