Crips’ alleged open-air crack bazaar near Petco Park crushed as 30 accused gang members and associates face federal charges

A brazen open-air crack market allegedly run by the West Coast Crips just 1.5 miles from San Diego’s Petco Park has been shut down after federal prosecutors charged 30 suspected gang members and associates in a sweeping drug crackdown.

The indictment, unsealed Wednesday, accuses the gang of turning the corner of 2900 Imperial Ave. into a bustling daytime drug bazaar, where customers allegedly lined up with cash to buy crack cocaine while wholesale suppliers kept street dealers stocked.

Prosecutors say the operation funneled cocaine base across East Village, downtown, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights and other San Diego neighborhoods.

Authorities estimate the operation pumped out roughly 20 pounds of cocaine every week in 2025, worth at least $550,000 on the street, with thousands of customers repeatedly purchasing crack cocaine from alleged gang members working the corner.

More than 350 federal, state and local law enforcement officers fanned out across San Diego early Wednesday in a massive gang sweep, executing 21 search warrants in a coordinated takedown targeting the alleged West Coast Crips drug operation.

By Wednesday afternoon, authorities had arrested 28 of the 30 defendants named in the case, while two remained on the run.

The investigation began in 2024 after authorities focused on alleged West Coast Crips members suspected of running the gang-controlled drug market while committing acts of violence in the surrounding neighborhood.

According to court documents, the operation functioned as both a street-level retail market and a wholesale supply point, with crack cocaine purchased there later resold across San Diego, including neighborhoods surrounding Petco Park.

Wiretapped conversations cited by prosecutors allegedly captured conspirators scrambling to replenish their drug supply after repeatedly selling out.

Investigators also kept the corner under surveillance for much of the probe, documenting what court records describe as daily crack cocaine sales.

The year-long investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 11 pounds of cocaine, over $14,000 in cash, two handguns, and a money-counting machine.

Prosecutors also say the notorious drug corner became a gathering place for gang activity and violence.

The market also became the backdrop for gun violence.

On Jan. 9, court documents allege a vehicle pulled up outside the market before an occupant stepped out and fired four or five shots into a crowd gathered near the corner, striking at least two people before speeding away.

“With these 30 indictments, the message is simple: San Diego is a paradise, but it’s not a gangster’s paradise,” said US Attorney Adam Gordon.

Prosecutors say the alleged conspiracy was populated by repeat offenders.

At least 22 defendants have prior felony convictions, most involving drug sales, while five were already under some form of post-conviction supervision when the alleged conspiracy was uncovered.

Among those charged is alleged conspiracy leader Rynell Baker, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 1994, paroled in 2021 and discharged from parole in 2022.

Four defendants, Elton Wilson, Roshawn Walls, Shawn King and Alejandro McFadden, have previous federal convictions that qualify as serious drug felonies.

Three others, Darnell Butler, Jerry Davis and Kendall Evans, also have prior federal convictions. Butler and Davis were previously convicted in a RICO conspiracy, while Evans was convicted of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

All 30 defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a maximum penalty of life behind bars, and fines of up to $10 million.