Full Breakdown
Federal Crackdown on Los Baja Deo Gang in Puerto Rico
8/28/2026, 12:39:00 AM
Scope of the Indictment
Federal prosecutors have charged 81 alleged members of the western-Puerto-Rico drug organization known as Los Baja Deo (also called Los Bajadeo or LBD). 70 individuals were arrested during the operation. The Justice Department alleges the group trafficked cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and marijuana since 2021, distributing at least 340 kg of fentanyl-laced narcotics and 2,200 kg of cocaine, and generating roughly $49 million in proceeds. Twenty-one defendants face additional charges for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and investigators seized 21 firearms, including machine guns.
Law Enforcement Operation
The takedown was led jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Department, with support from Homeland Security task forces. The operation also resulted in the extradition of Eric Rendel Masqueo Polanco, described as a Dominican Republic cocaine kingpin, from Colombia to San Juan. Polanco now faces charges in two Puerto Rico indictments and a separate money-laundering case in New Jersey.
Official Statements
Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges during a news conference in San Juan, emphasizing the partnership between U.S. agencies and local authorities. He linked the Puerto Rico arrests to broader efforts targeting transnational criminal organizations across the Western Hemisphere, noting similar actions in Ecuador against Los Choneros and Los Lobos.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This operation reflects the strength of our partnership in Ecuador and across the entire Western Hemisphere,” — General Todd Blanche, attorney
- “Our homeland security task forces around the country are unified,” — General Todd Blanche, attorney
These statements underscore the administration’s focus on coordinated, nationwide task-force activity to dismantle violent drug networks.
