FBI Raids Luxury LA High-Rise: 42kg Fentanyl, Gold Gun, and Live Alligator Seized
Two suspects arrested at a 45th-floor Los Angeles apartment used as a fentanyl stash house. FBI agents also seized a gold-plated Desert Eagle, an AR-15, and a live alligator.
Fentanyl Stash House on the 45th Floor: FBI Busts Luxury Drug Den in Downtown LA
Federal agents raided a 45th-floor apartment in downtown Los Angeles last week, uncovering nearly 94 pounds of fentanyl, a gold-plated pistol, and a live alligator, NY Post Metro reports.
Marvin Angelito, 27, and Susan Gonzalez, 26, were taken into custody during the operation. Both face federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The apartment, located at 230 W. Olympic Blvd. in the high-rise building known as Olympic + Hill, was described by investigators as a known drug trafficking location. Lower-level dealers reportedly traveled there to obtain fentanyl and cocaine from the couple.
Informant Arranged a $125,000 Pill Deal
The FBI's break in the case came after agents flipped a criminal informant — someone already facing federal drug charges — against the duo over the summer. Working with investigators, the informant arranged to purchase 500,000 M30 fentanyl pills from Angelito and Gonzalez for $125,000, with the transaction set for August 21 at the apartment.
Before the deal, Angelito participated in a "show and tell" video call to display the drugs to the prospective buyer. A friend of Angelito also appeared on the call, vouching for the operation's scale. "This place is 'official,'" the friend said, adding that there is "cartel s—t over here."
"This is the stash house. They've got everything up there," the friend continued. "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."
The deal proceeded as planned, and federal agents confiscated the drugs on site.
Search Warrant Uncovers Arsenal and Exotic Animal
Several weeks later, the FBI executed a search warrant at the apartment and formally arrested Angelito and Gonzalez. The search produced a striking inventory of contraband.
Agents recovered nearly 94 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder, more than two pounds of heroin, and almost 16 pounds of cocaine. Laboratory equipment — including beakers, mixers, stirrers, torches, and a hydraulic press — was also found, suggesting on-site drug processing.
Weapons discovered in the unit included an AR-15 rifle with ammunition stashed in a hallway closet and a gold-plated Desert Eagle .50-caliber pistol with ammunition left on the kitchen counter. A police radio was also seized.
Perhaps the most unusual find: a small alligator kept in a glass tank inside the apartment. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents took custody of the animal.
The building's amenities — a pool, panoramic city views, a gaming room, and upscale common areas — formed a sharp contrast with its alleged use as a bulk drug distribution hub.
Both Defendants Appear in Federal Court
Angelito and Gonzalez made their initial appearances at the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Judge Karen Stevenson ordered Angelito detained pending further proceedings and released Gonzalez on a $15,000 bond.
Angelito's arraignment is scheduled for October 2; Gonzalez's for October 9. No pleas were entered at Monday's hearing.
Source: NY Post Metro