First published in the June 11 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
Two Southland men are in custody on drug and firearms charges stemming from a three-month federal investigation resulting in 52 guns being taken off the streets of Los Angeles, along with 31 pounds of methamphetamine, M30 pills laced with fentanyl and more than 200 rounds of ammunition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Monday.
Christopher Sebastian Quezadas, 25, of Long Beach, was charged with dealing firearms without a license, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a machine gun and distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Angel Rene Mendoza, 25, of Glendale, was charged with distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, according to the ATF.
The investigation began in February and, over the next few months, law enforcement allegedly seized several firearms along with narcotics from Quezadas. When Quezadas and Mendoza were arrested on May 26, law enforcement seized 23 firearms and 30 pounds of methamphetamine, the ATF said.
Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in Los Angeles federal court on June 14.
Federal law requires individuals who are engaged in the business of dealing in firearms be licensed by ATF. Dealing in firearms without a license is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000 or both.
— City News Service
