The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on 5/3 the arrest of Keiko Gonzalez, 59, who reportedly operated the notorious 18th Street gang. Upon her arrest, Gonzalez was seen smiling and waving as she passed media cameras. However, her smile quickly vanished during a thorough body search conducted outside the Los Angeles fire association headquarters.

Keiko Gonzalez smiles as police escort her on 5/3. Photo: CA Post.

Keiko Gonzalez smiles as police escort her on 5/3. Photo: CA Post.

Gonzalez, known by her nickname 'the Queen', was among 12 members and associates of the 18th Street gang apprehended this week across Los Angeles during 'Operation Death Horse'. Six other members remain at large. The gang is known to dominate MacArthur Park, operating a retail drug network concealed within homeless encampments.

"For a long time, the 18th Street gang and other criminals transformed one of the city's most beautiful public spaces into a 'black hole' teeming with crime," stated federal prosecutor Bill Essayli.

"That ends today. We are committed to eradicating violent organized crime and open-air drug markets from Los Angeles," he emphasized, adding that this is "one of the most violent gangs in the Western Hemisphere."

Drug kingpin Keiko Gonzalez upon her arrest on 5/3. Photo: CA Post.

Drug kingpin Keiko Gonzalez upon her arrest on 5/3. Photo: CA Post.

Gonzalez is accused of managing the organization's criminal activities, including collecting protection money and enforcing brutal disciplinary measures on behalf of her husband, Jorge Gonzales, and three imprisoned Mexican Mafia gang leaders.

Authorities stated that Gonzalez orchestrated a 2022 assassination after a drug dealer for the network refused to pay protection money. Two of her subordinates reportedly shot the victim in the head.

Drugs seized during the search of kingpin Gonzales' home. Photo: CA Post.

Drugs seized during the search of kingpin Gonzales' home. Photo: CA Post.

Prosecutors confirmed that Jorge Gonzales, 70, known in criminal circles by his nickname 'Bach Ma', communicated with his wife and gang members using a secret mobile phone hidden in his cell. He has been incarcerated since 1980 for murder, committed when he was 23 years old. Three years later, he fatally stabbed a fellow inmate and was transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison in 1990, where he spent 25 years in solitary confinement. Gonzales is currently serving his sentence at High Desert State Prison in Susanville.

'Operation Death Horse' was launched following a multi-year investigation into the 18th Street gang. Agents confiscated over 80 kg of methamphetamine and fentanyl, USD 80,000 in cash, and six firearms.

"The operation's objective is to curb violence and prevent the trafficking of dangerous drugs like fentanyl," stated Jena McCabe, a US federal prosecutor.

By Hong Hanh (Source: New York Post)