Father and son arrested for trafficking fentanyl and firearms

Father and Son Arrested for Trafficking Fentanyl and Firearms

by
March 30, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – A father and son, Antonio Espinoza Zarate and Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, were taken into custody on Monday for trafficking fentanyl and illegal firearms. The arrests were the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) working with various federal and state law enforcement agencies in Southern California.

Antonio Espinoza, also charged with illegal reentry, is accused of multiple illegal arms and drug sales. In July 2023, he allegedly sold firearms and over 500 grams of fentanyl pills. In August 2023, he is said to have sold an AR-style rifle and approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills, supplied by Francisco Espinoza.

Espinoza, originally from Mexico, was previously deported multiple times and reentered the U.S. illegally. If convicted, both father and son face a maximum life sentence and a minimum of 10 years in federal prison.

The ICE HSI-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, including the ATF and Los Angeles Police Department, played significant roles in the operation.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.