24 with Ties to Pasadena Gang and Mexican Cartel Charged

Two dozen members and associates of a Pasadena-based gang with ties to the Sinaloa cartel were charged with drug trafficking-related crimes Thursday morning, authorities announced.

Dubbed Operation Rose Bud, the 18-month investigation targeted members of Varrio Pasadena Rifa, a gang known to sell drugs in the Pasadena, the Antelope Valley and Kern County, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Twelve people were arrested Thursday and another 12 have been charged. 

The operation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Pasadena police, U.S. Attorney's Office Department of Children and Family Services, Kern County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Probation Department, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. 

More than $2.5 million in narcotics —60.5 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin and five pounds of cocaine—was seized during the operation, according to reports.