FBI agents uncovered an alligator and a gold-plated handgun during a dramatic raid on a luxury downtown Los Angeles apartment allegedly being used as a fentanyl “stash house.”
Marvin Angelito, 27, and Susan Gonzalez, 26, were arrested Thursday in the federal operation. Authorities allegedly seized 94 pounds of fentanyl, nearly 16 pounds of cocaine, drug-manufacturing equipment, firearms and the alligator.
Both suspects are charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Investigators allege the upscale apartment served as a drug-trafficking hub, attracting lower-level dealers seeking fentanyl and cocaine from the couple.
The FBI’s investigation gained momentum over the summer after agents persuaded a criminal informant facing federal drug charges to cooperate against Angelito and Gonzalez.
Working with investigators, the informant arranged to purchase 500,000 M30 fentanyl pills from the pair for $125,000. The transaction was scheduled for August 21 at the couple’s 45th-floor apartment in Olympic + Hill, a high-rise at 230 W. Olympic Blvd.
As part of a “show and tell” video call, Angelito displayed the drugs for the prospective buyer. A friend of his also joined the call and boasted about the couple’s operation.
“This place is ‘official,’” the friend said, adding that there was “some ‘cartel s—t over here.’”
“This is the stash house. They’ve got everything up there,” the friend said. “They don’t like to let too many people up there. If somebody robs that s—t or something, they’ll know who to blame it on.”
“Now you know this s—t is for real,” the friend added.
The transaction proceeded as planned, and federal agents seized the drugs. Several weeks later, the FBI executed a search warrant at Angelito and Gonzalez’s apartment and arrested them.
Inside, agents found nearly 94 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, more than two pounds of heroin and almost 16 pounds of cocaine. They also recovered laboratory equipment, including beakers, mixers, stirrers, torches and a hydraulic press.
Authorities said an AR-15 rifle and ammunition were found in a hallway closet, while a gold-plated Desert Eagle .50-caliber pistol and ammunition were sitting on the kitchen counter. Agents also discovered a police radio and a small alligator in a glass tank; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel took custody of the animal.
The alleged trap house occupied by the couple featured luxury amenities such as a pool, panoramic views, stylish common areas and an upscale gaming room.
Angelito and Gonzalez made their initial appearances yesterday in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Judge Karen Stevenson ordered Angelito detained, while Gonzalez was released on a $15,000 bond.
Angelito’s arraignment is scheduled for October 2, and Gonzalez’s arraignment is scheduled for October 9. No pleas were taken on Monday.
