Justice Department Charges 81 in Puerto Rico Gang Takedown/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ The Justice Department charged 81 people in a federal operation targeting the Puerto Rican gang known as Los Baja Deo. Prosecutors allege the organization trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs from Mayagüez while generating nearly $50 million. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges during a visit intended to highlight the Trump administration’s focus on gangs, cartels and violent crime.
Quick Look
- Federal prosecutors charged 81 alleged gang members.
- The operation targeted a group known as Los Baja Deo.
- The gang allegedly operated from Mayagüez in western Puerto Rico.
- Prosecutors say it trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs.
- The organization allegedly generated nearly $50 million.
- Officials linked the group to shootings, killings, kidnappings and assaults.
- Authorities allege it distributed at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs.
- Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges in San Juan.
- Acting U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó said the defendants would face justice.
- The allegations remain to be proven in court.
Deep Look
Justice Department Charges 81 People
The Justice Department has charged 81 people in a major federal operation targeting a Puerto Rican gang accused of drug trafficking and violent crimes.
Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges Thursday during a visit to Puerto Rico.
The defendants are alleged members of Los Baja Deo, a gang that prosecutors say operated for years from Mayagüez on the island’s western coast.
Criminal charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Gang Allegedly Generated Nearly $50 Million
Federal prosecutors allege Los Baja Deo trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and other illegal narcotics while generating nearly $50 million in proceeds.
Blanche said the organization was responsible for distributing at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or drugs containing fentanyl.
Authorities also linked the group to shootings, killings, kidnappings and assaults.
The Justice Department did not provide additional details in the announcement about individual defendants, arrests or specific charges.
Blanche Highlights Federal Crime Initiative
Blanche announced the operation from the U.S. attorney’s office in San Juan as the Trump administration seeks to emphasize its campaign against violent gangs, cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
“Our Homeland Security Task Forces around the country are unified and they’re unified to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs and transnational criminal organizations around the United States,” Blanche told reporters.
The appearance came shortly after his confirmation as attorney general.
Trump Administration Reshapes DOJ Priorities
The Trump administration has significantly redirected Justice Department resources toward illegal immigration, drug trafficking and violent crime.
Blanche’s presence in the U.S. Caribbean territory demonstrated the administration’s effort to give greater visibility to federal operations targeting criminal organizations in communities across the country.
Puerto Rico’s location in the Caribbean has long made it a transit point for narcotics moving toward the mainland United States.
Puerto Rico Prosecutor Welcomes Charges
Acting US Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó said the prosecution would make Mayagüez safer.
“These 81 violent gang members will now face justice and so will any other that try to take their place,” Ramírez-Carbó said. “Today, the families of Mayagüez can peacefully enjoy what their communities have to offer without fear of harm.”
The charges begin the federal prosecution process. The government must prove its allegations against each defendant in court.
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