Burbank man tied to illegal firearms, drug trafficking bust

Federal authorities today announced the arrests of five men – one of them in Burbank -- for alleged firearms and narcotics violations during an undercover investigation dubbed “Operation Hollywood Confidential.”

A total of eight defendants were named in seven federal criminal indictments, including the Burbank resident, Hayk Kazaryan, 31, according to the theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Kazaryan was arrested Nov. 30 on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm that was also unregistered.

Kazaryan also allegedly stabbed a man in the leg on Nov. 16 in the 600 block of University Avenue in Burbank. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in that case.

Four other men were also arrested and pleaded not guilty to firearms and methamphetamine distribution charges and are scheduled to go to trial this summer, according to the ATF.

Warrants have been issued for three other men who have not been located.

In June 2010, ATF initiated an investigation that targeted firearm traffickers in Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley area after being tipped off to firearm trafficking.

An undercover informant was able to negotiate the purchase of 13 illegal firearms and narcotics in the San Fernando Valley, according to the agency.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Bogdalek said in a statement that the investigation “disrupted several firearm trafficking suspects that were also supplying narcotics in the west valley of Los Angeles.”

The drug distribution charges alleged in the indictments carry a minimum sentence of at least five years and statutory maximum penalties of 40 years in federal prison. The firearm-related charges carry a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Los Angeles police and L.A. County probation officers assisted in the investigation.

-- Maria Hsin, Times Community News

Twitter: @mariahsin