Federal drug raid in Los Angeles targets open-air drug market in MacArthur Park
In a dramatic federal operation, law enforcement agencies recently conducted a large-scale drug raid in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, a well-known hub for gang-controlled drug activities. Reporting live from the scene, Fox News correspondent Matt Finn detailed the seizure of 40 pounds of fentanyl, a quantity capable of producing 190,000 lethal doses, with a market value estimated between $8 and $10 million. Following the operation, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, sharply criticized California’s drug policies, labeling them ineffective.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico, authorities have identified the mysterious substance responsible for hospitalizing more than a dozen first responders. They had attended to an emergency at a Mountainair residence, where three individuals succumbed to a suspected overdose.
The first responders encountered fentanyl exposure at the scene, where four people were found unresponsive. Tragically, two victims were declared dead on-site, and a third passed away later at the University of New Mexico Hospital, while one person managed to survive the ordeal.
At a news conference, New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom shared preliminary findings, indicating the incident involved exposure to a powdered opioid within the home. Laboratory analysis by the DEA confirmed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, also known as P4 fentanyl.
In a related development, a Democratic governor has declared a state of emergency in a county plagued by crime, underscoring the urgent need for effective responses to combat the pervasive drug crisis.
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CRIME-RIDDEN COUNTY
New Mexico State Police respond to a home in Mountainair, N.M., where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
“It’s a more illicit form or version of fentanyl,” he added.
Authorities said the drugs were found in powder form.
Officials said 25 people were exposed to the substance, with 20 hospitalized for treatment before being released.
ROBERT DE NIRO’S GRANDSON’S OVERDOSE DEATH LEADS TO FIVE ARRESTS
New Mexico State Police Chief Matt Broom, center, provides updates during a news conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, May 22, 2026, about an investigation into the deaths of three people in Torrance County and a potential fentanyl exposure for first responders who answered the call. (Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo)
Two individuals remain hospitalized after arriving in serious condition, police said.
Authorities identified two of the people who died as Micah Rascon, 51, and Georgia Rascon, 49.
Both the survivor and one of the deceased were administered the overdose medication Narcan.
FENTANYL EXPOSURE SCARE FORCES COURTROOM EVACUATION DURING ACTIVE TRIAL
A New Mexico State Police vehicle blocks off a neighborhood in Mountainair, N.M., where authorities say several people died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and more than a dozen first responders were exposed to an unknown substance and later treated at a hospital. (Savannah Peters/AP Photo)
Authorities said numerous first responders began experiencing symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
“These men and women responded to a dangerous situation while working to protect lives and secure the scene,” Broom said. “We especially recognize the first responders who became sick while carrying out their duties.”
Torrance County Fire Chief Gary Smith said firefighters did not enter the home wearing hazmat protection because the situation did not initially appear to require it.
He added officials would review the response procedures moving forward.
A hazardous materials team investigates a chemical exposure site during an ongoing investigation. (KRQE)
“I mean, we’re only as good as our last call, right?” Smith said. “There’ll be multiple debriefings that we’re going to be doing over the next week or two to find out where our strengths were and where our weaknesses were.”
The incident remains under investigation.
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