ATF and CHP arrest Los Angeles man on federal fentanyl and machine gun charges

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers with the California Highway Patrol arrested Christian Laird, 34, of Los Angeles, on Sept. 30, 2026, on a federal indictment charging him with fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms offenses.

The five-count indictment, returned in the Central District of California, alleges that on or about July 1, 2025, in Los Angeles County, Laird possessed with intent to distribute approximately 822.5 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, as well as a separate quantity of approximately 15.1 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl.

"Fentanyl and machine gun conversion devices are a dangerous combination, and when they are in the hands of someone who is prohibited from having a firearm, the risk to our communities is severe. A Glock switch turns a pistol into a machine gun that can fire dozens of rounds in seconds. ATF's mission is to protect America's communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, and our special agents and task force officers focus on dismantling those who are prohibited persons and fuel violence. We are grateful to our partners at the California Highway Patrol for their work on this case, and we will keep working side by side to take illegal weapons and deadly drugs off our streets," said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper.

The indictment also alleges that Laird, a prior felony conviction, illegally possessed a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a "Glock switch" or "auto sear," in furtherance of those drug trafficking crimes. These devices allow a semi-automatic pistol to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. Federal law prohibits possessing such a weapon.

Charges:

• Count 1: Possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(vi))
• Count 2: Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C))
• Count 3: Possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (c)(1)(B)(ii))
• Count 4: Unlawful possession of a machine gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o))
• Count 5: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being investigated by ATF and CHP and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov .