Multiagency operation targets gun, drug, gang activity in South Lake Tahoe
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The South Lake Tahoe Police Department, working with multiple agencies, executed several search and arrest warrants Wednesday morning in South Lake Tahoe and other towns in California and Nevada, city officials announced on social media.
Law enforcement agencies executed 21 arrest warrants in El Dorado County, California; Alpine County, California; Douglas County, Nevada; and Washoe County, Nevada, as part of Operation Daisy Cutter. This investigation is a multi-agency, multi-year effort targeting cartel-supplied gangs in the Tahoe bi-state region. Its mission is to disrupt gang activity, reduce violent crime, and hold cartel-linked leaders, members, and associates accountable. The takedown is also part of a nationwide FBI initiative against cartel-backed criminal enterprises.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office served one of the warrants at approximately 5:30 a.m. in the 800 block of Maplewood Dr., in Minden, Nevada. Brothers Noah and Toby Paul were arrested on fugitive arrest warrants out of El Dorado County. Both brothers will remain in custody until they are extradited to California.
The prosecutions are being led by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, which obtained 20 of the warrants. Partner agencies include the District Attorneys’ Offices of Alpine County, Douglas County, Carson City, and Washoe County, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Together, these offices are coordinating a unified response to dismantle violent, predatory organizations that endanger community safety.
The defendants in this case, who are presumed innocent until proven guilty, include Norteño gang leaders and associates accused of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl while attempting to recruit middle and high school students. Some reportedly exploited male recruits to gain access to underage girls.
Others include individuals deported in March 2025 who now face felony warrants if they return, members of outlaw motorcycle gangs such as the Devil’s Disciples and the Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington (POBOB) who deserted military service after falsely claiming Army Infantry experience, and gang members connected to fatal overdoses.
“These actions are not related to immigration enforcement,” the City of South Lake Tahoe said on instagram.
Officials also asked the public to keep a safe distance if they see police activity in their area.
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