Los Angeles County, California – Federal authorities have arrested 16 alleged gang members and associates tied to a violent Mexican Mafia-linked street gang, following a multi-year investigation into shootings, kidnappings, illegal firearms trafficking, and large-scale drug distribution across the San Gabriel Valley.
The arrests target members of Puente-13, a street gang prosecutors describe as operating under the authority of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, enforcing control through violence and narcotics sales. According to federal officials, the takedown follows a three-year investigation that uncovered a pattern of retaliatory attacks, intimidation, and drug trafficking involving some of the most dangerous substances on the street today.
Federal investigation exposes violent gang operations
The investigation began after a 2022 fatal shooting in Covina, where prosecutors allege a Puente-13 member opened fire on rival gang members at a residence. During the getaway, the suspect reportedly tripped and lost a shoe, which investigators later used as physical evidence to help identify and connect him to the crime.
Federal authorities say that incident opened the door to a much wider probe, revealing a network of gang activity that included kidnapping, attempted murder, illegal weapons sales, and narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and carfentanil…