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March 28, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesNarcotics, Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Father, son arrested on fentanyl trafficking, gun sales and immigration violations following ICE, multiagency investigation

LOS ANGELES - A father and son were arrested March 26, for trafficking fentanyl and illegal firearms sales. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted by multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies focused on financial crimes in Southern California.

“Transnational crime, including the trafficking of fentanyl and weapons, remains a persistent and dangerous threat to our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles John Pasciucco. “HSI Los Angeles remains committed to combatting these threats by working alongside federal, state, and local law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt trafficking routes and to bring these perpetrators to justice.”

Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 55, also known as “El Gato,” and his son, Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, 31, were arrested and charged in U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Antonio Espinoza was also charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

According to affidavits filed with the complaints, in July 2023, Antonio Espinoza sold a pistol, a rifle, 131 rounds of ammunition, and more than 500 grams of fentanyl pills to a buyer. He is not licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms.

In August 2023, Antonio Espinoza allegedly sold an AR-style rifle and approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills to a buyer, supplied by Francisco Espinoza. In January 2025, he allegedly sold a rifle, a pistol, a revolver, and ammunition to a buyer. The following month, with his son present, Antonio Espinoza sold more than 500 grams of fentanyl pills to a confidential informant.

Antonio Espinoza is a citizen of Mexico, who has been previously deported in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017. He illegally reentered the United States following his removals. If convicted of all charges, both defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

“ATF is working alongside the Department of Homeland Security to assist with their immigration efforts in the Los Angeles area,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper, Los Angeles Field Division. “These efforts are targeting gang members, drug traffickers and dangerous criminals who have entered the country illegally. Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission. We will continue to provide our support to our partners at the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the safety of this community.”

The ICE HSI-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, is comprised of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California – Criminal Investigative Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department.

To report suspected fentanyl and firearms trafficking, contact 1-866-347-2423.

Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect children in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

Updated: 06/13/2025