Authorities report 23 arrests in Skid Row drug operation

Federal and local authorities arrested 23 people in a coordinated drug-enforcement operation on Los Angeles’ Skid Row on October 8, according to a report issued the following day by federal prosecutors. The operation, called Operation Save Skid Row, targeted people accused of distributing fentanyl and other drugs; 28 people were charged in federal complaints, officials said. The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Los Angeles Police Department carried out searches near Fifth and Crocker streets and at other locations across Los Angeles County. The operation followed an investigation lasting more than three months, according to authorities. An earlier report said 21 people had been taken into custody as of October 8, after an initial count of 14 early that morning. The later figure of 23 arrests was reported on October 9. Officials said investigators served 44 search warrants at 29 locations. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said nine searches took place in the immediate Fifth and Crocker area, with others in locations including Pasadena, West Covina and Simi Valley.