The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced that a crackdown operation targeting the Puente-13 street gang, primarily operating in La Puente city in California's San Gabriel Valley, began around 4h on 18/12. Searches were conducted at over 20 locations.

Federal and local authorities arrested 16 suspects and seized 76 firearms, including 14 rifles, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition. Approximately 4,5 kg of methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl and carfentanil pills, fentanyl powder, 9.500 USD in cash, and various stolen properties were also discovered.

The gang is considered a branch of the notorious Mexican Mafia criminal network, which controls drug trafficking in the area and uses violence to maintain its power.

Puente-13 is accused of orchestrating one kidnapping, two shootings, illegal firearms sales, and trafficking various drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Carfentanil is described as a synthetic opioid painkiller with a high level of addiction and danger, 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

Police in Los Angeles city block off a crime scene on 15/12 in the Brentwood area. *Photo: AP*

Kenny Cooper, the ATF Los Angeles area commander, stated that the operation was the result of a nearly three-year investigation. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna commented that the operation removed a significant amount of firearms and drugs from the streets, while also bringing many dangerous gang members to justice.

The number 13 in the gang's name, Puente-13, signifies its connection to the Mexican Mafia, as M is the 13th letter of the Latin alphabet. Mexican Mafia leaders also collect a portion of the profits from Puente-13 members' drug and weapons trafficking activities in the form of "taxes".

According to U.S. officials, the Mexican Mafia formed within the prison system to control and direct the activities of Latino street gangs in southern California. Mexican Mafia leaders issue orders to their subordinate gangs, including demands for assassinating rival gang members.

Despite its name, "Mexican Mafia", the organization does not originate from Mexico and formed and developed entirely within the U.S. prison system. According to law enforcement agencies, the Mexican Mafia is considered the most dangerous and powerful gang within California's state prison system, with approximately 350-500 official members, thousands of hitmen and associates operating within correctional facilities, and over 50.000 loyal operatives working outside.

Thanh Danh (According to ABC, LA Times)