Gang allegedly distributed at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl, 2,200 of cocaine
About 70 alleged members of Los Baja Deo, a Puerto Rican drug trafficking organization also known as LBD, are in custody in Puerto Rico after federal authorities announced charges Thursday. The suspects are charged with operating a “key pipeline” of fentanyl, cocaine and other narcotics into the continental United States.
A total of 81 people were indicted in the operation, which officials said targeted “this violent drug trafficking organization that had been active for years throughout the west side of Puerto Rico.”
Blanche, speaking at a press conference at the headquarters of the federal prosecutor’s office in San Juan, said law enforcement seized 21 firearms during the investigation. “It is estimated that during the span of the conspiracy, this drug trafficking organization was responsible for the distribution of at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, and at least 2,200 kilograms of cocaine, among other drugs, generating over $49 million in proceeds,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the Mayagüez-based gang a “transnational criminal organization involved in large-scale narcotics trafficking across Puerto Rico — including sending controlled substances to the continental United States through the U.S. Postal Service, generating millions in illicit proceeds annually.”
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Ramírez-Carbó said the gang allegedly maintained its drug trafficking operations in 23 public housing projects and communities in Mayagüez, “virtually throughout” the city.
A Homeland Security Task Force led the investigation. The group included the FBI, the Puerto Rico Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Office of Postal Service Inspectors.