Known gang members with ties to Glendale, Burbank arrested; weapons and drugs seized

Authorities dismantled an “elaborate” butane honey oil lab and arrested two brothers, both known gang members, during an AB 109 compliance check at a North Hollywood home, police said.

Armenian Power gang members Hakop Nagapetian, 25, who was on probation for a weapon case, and Berg Nagapetian, 23, were arrested last week on suspicion of weapon and drug-manufacturing violations, according to Glendale Police spokeswoman Tahnee Lightfoot. Both reportedly have ties to Glendale and Burbank.

During the compliance check, police reportedly seized a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun, high-capacity magazines, several pounds of marijuana, more than 130 bottles of butane fuel and cooking products, a “significant” amount of concentrated cannabis and a ledger book with $21,000 in cash.

In two safes found in bedroom closets, officers recovered more than 800 rounds of ammunition, and in the backyard, police discovered two AR-15 lower receivers being manufactured with a drill press, Lightfoot said.

Los Angeles County hazardous materials and toxic waste teams, along with the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force, responded to the home, located in the 12000 block of Gilmore Street, to dismantle the honey oil lab, Lightfoot said.

During the investigation, police discovered that the brothers were allegedly storing additional weapons at a relative’s Los Angeles home. After obtaining a search warrant, police seized multiple high-power rifles, two unregistered handguns and one sawed-off shotgun.

The case remains under investigation.

Berg Nagapetian was released from custody after posting bail, while Hakop Nagapetian is being held without bail.

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Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek