News Summary
Thirteen individuals suspected to be part of the ‘Rancho San Pedro’ gang were arrested in a significant FBI-led operation targeting drug trafficking and racketeering in San Pedro. The operation followed a multi-year investigation and resulted in the seizure of firearms and drugs. Federal prosecutors have charged several suspects with serious crimes under RICO and other charges. Authorities emphasize the operation’s role in disrupting gang operations and enhancing public safety in the area, where the RSP gang has a longstanding presence dating back to the 1970s.
Los Angeles – Thirteen individuals believed to be members of the “Rancho San Pedro” (RSP) gang were arrested on October 7, 2025, as part of a significant crackdown on drug trafficking and racketeering activities in the Los Angeles Harbor area, specifically San Pedro. This operation, conducted by the FBI alongside the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), follows a multi-year investigation aimed at weakening the gang’s leadership.
The suspects are implicated in numerous violent acts and other criminal activities in and around the Los Angeles Harbor area. Federal prosecutors have charged eight of the fourteen arrested with serious crimes, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy (RICO) and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances. Additionally, one suspect faces a charge involving possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Five others face state charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
During the operation on Tuesday morning, law enforcement executed nine federal and eight state search warrants at various locations across San Pedro, resulting in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, ghost gun parts, fentanyl, and other drug-related paraphernalia. Officials emphasized that this operation specifically targeted individuals who were orchestrating criminal activities within the gang, such as tax collection, drug distribution, and directing violent crimes like robbery and conspiracy to commit murder and assault.
FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis commented on the operation’s success in disrupting the RSP’s activities, expressing pride in the investigation aimed at dismantling the gang’s upper echelon. This significant arrest is part of a broader effort by local law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, to combat gang violence and enhance community safety in San Pedro.
The RSP gang is noted to be a multi-generational gang with roots dating back to the 1970s and is estimated to have around 500 members. It is said to operate under the oversight of members of the Mexican Mafia in California state prisons. Allegedly, RSP members pay “taxes” to the Mexican Mafia for protection, with violations possibly leading to severe violent consequences.
The recent arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and drugs are a testament to the ongoing war against gang violence in the San Pedro area. Similar operations have been conducted over the years to mitigate the threats posed by street gangs and their criminal enterprises. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell indicated that the operation sends a clear message to those engaged in violent offenses, underscoring the commitment to tackling organized crime effectively.
Those facing federal charges risk maximum sentences of life in prison if convicted. The operation marks a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by the RSP gang and fostering security for residents in the affected communities.
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
