Anthony Chrysanthis, the DEA's Special Agent in Charge for Los Angeles, said investigators executed multiple search warrants in MacArthur Park, San Gabriel, Calabasas and South Los Angeles.
18 arrested, 40 pounds of fentanyl seized in massive SoCal drug raid
"We executed several search warrants around Southern California, and we were able to take off the streets 19 kilos of fentanyl, which is a massive amount of drugs that was set to come into MacArthur Park and poison this community," he said.
MacArthur Park has long been a hub for illegal drug activity - a reality that nearby businesses say has taken a toll. At Langer's Deli, a nearly 80-year-old neighborhood institution, owner Norm Langer said the area has steadily deteriorated as drug dealing intensified in and around the park.
Langer praised the coordinated law enforcement action but said the effort must continue.
"All the involved agencies [Wednesday] have to continue in the park and around the area. We need a sustained effort," he said. "I am absolutely thrilled with what happened yesterday -- the DEA, the FBI, local law enforcement and all the powers that be."
He also criticized the city-run needle exchange program operating in the park, arguing it contributes to the problem.
"My main message that I'm trying to get out there is that I want to see the needle program giveaway disbanded in the park," Langer said.
The future of the city's syringe distribution program became a topic in Wednesday night's mayoral debate, where candidates were asked whether the program should be shut down.
Mayor Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt agreed the program should end, while Nithya Ramen answered "No."
Even if Bass were to end the city-run program, more than a dozen independent organizations continue to provide free, clean needles in and around Los Angeles.