Suspected drug deal leads to dangerous goods operation in Little Tokyo

By ELLEN ENDO, Rafu Shimpo

Two people showing symptoms of a possible drug overdose were hospitalized while a third person refused further medical treatment as a drug investigation sparked an emergency hazardous materials operation and brought two law enforcement agencies to Little Tokyo on Thursday.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and Los Angeles Police Department units responded to the area after a white, powdery substance was found on the sidewalk near Second Street and Central Avenue. The LAFD later determined that the substance apparently thrown from a sixth-floor apartment near Second and Central was cocaine laced with fentanyl.

Earlier in the day, Alhambra Police Department officers reportedly attempted to serve a search warrant related to a drug investigation. LAPD was called to the 300 block of East Second Street on a report of an unknown substance. A suspect was taken into custody.

As a precautionary measure, Second Street was closed between Central Avenue and San Pedro Street for several hours while LAFD cleaned sidewalks and conducted testing to ensure no hazardous materials remained.

Other people who were in and/or near the residence in the affected area, including police officers, paramedics and other emergency personnel, were tested and found to be out of danger.