Puerto Rico gang ‘Los Baja Deo’ indicted on drug and weapons charges

A federal grand jury has indicted 81 members of the Puerto Rican criminal organization ‘Los Baja Deo’ (LBD) on charges including drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. The indictment follows a coordinated operation by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Puerto Rico Police Department, which resulted in the arrest of 70 individuals in Mayagüez and surrounding municipalities.

Prosecutors allege that the gang has operated for years, primarily out of western Puerto Rico, generating approximately $49 million to $50 million in illicit proceeds. The group is accused of distributing large quantities of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics. Beyond drug trafficking, the organization is linked to violent crimes including shootings, murders, kidnappings, and assaults.

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges during a visit to the island, framing the takedown as part of a broader administration effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and cartels. Acting U.S. Attorney for Puerto Rico Héctor Ramírez-Carbó stated that the arrests aim to restore peace to the communities affected by the gang’s activities.