Authorities in South Los Angeles seized almost 100 gallons of PCP, or "angel dust," and the chemicals used to make it. The estimated street value is $1 billion. Officials said Southern California is considered the place where the hallucinogenic drug is manufactured to be distributed to the entire country.
Following the arrests on Wednesday, federal authorities unsealed two indictments charging 40 people with ties to the Grape Street Crips gang with dozens of counts, including possessing and distributing PCP in a nationwide ring. All defendants face life in prison if convicted.
In addition to the 20 people arrested, three defendants were already in custody and 17 are fugitives.
Law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help to identify one of the fugitives, who goes by the nickname "Nephew."
Anyone with information regarding this fugitive was asked to contact the DEA Los Angeles office at (213) 621-6700.
City News Service contributed to this report.
