ATF Press Release

LOS ANGELES – Two men were arrested recently on drug and firearms charges stemming from a three-month proactive firearms investigation resulting in 52 guns being taken off the streets of Los Angeles along with 31 pounds of methamphetamine, M30 pills laced with fentanyl, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) targeted individuals selling firearms manufactured, and privately made, ranging from Glock-style pistols to machine guns without a license.

Christopher Sebastian Quezadas, 25, of Long Beach, California, was charged with dealing firearms without a license, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a machine gun, and distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Angel Rene Mendoza, 25, of Glendale, California, was charged with distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

The investigation began in February 2022 and over the next few months law enforcement seized several firearms along with narcotics from Quezadas. When Quezadas and Mendoza were arrested on May 26, law enforcement seized 23 firearms and 30 pounds of methamphetamine. Both are scheduled to be arraigned June 14.

Federal law requires individuals who are engaged in the business of dealing in firearms be licensed by ATF. Dealing in firearms without a license is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both.

This matter was investigated by the ATF and the Los Angeles Police Department. The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Balla, from the Central District of California Office. For more information, follow ATF LAFD on Twitter @LosAngelesATF.

A criminal complaint (or indictment) contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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