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AG Pam Bondi Announces Largest Fentanyl Seizure in U.S. History; Sinaloa Cartel Members Arrested

By - May 6, 2025
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In a landmark operation against international drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today the largest fentanyl seizure in American history. The six-month, multi-agency investigation culminated in the arrest of 16 individuals and the confiscation of vast quantities of illicit drugs, firearms, cash, and luxury vehicles. The operation targeted a sophisticated network allegedly linked to Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Unprecedented Seizure Details

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, executed coordinated raids across five western states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. The seizures included:

  • Approximately 3 million counterfeit fentanyl pills, stamped to resemble oxycodone.

  • 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder.

  • 35 kilograms of methamphetamine.

  • 7.5 kilograms of cocaine.

  • 4.5 kilograms of heroin.

  • 49 firearms, including ghost guns and weapons equipped with illegal modifications.

  • Over $5 million in cash.

  • Luxury vehicles, including a Ford Raptor and a GMC Denali.

These seizures represent a significant disruption to the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel within the United States.

Arrest of Alleged Cartel Leader

Among those arrested was Alberto Salazar Amaya, identified by authorities as a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel operating out of Salem, Oregon. Amaya is accused of orchestrating the distribution network that funneled fentanyl and other narcotics into various U.S. states. His arrest marks a critical blow to the cartel’s infrastructure.

Impact on Public Health and Safety

Attorney General Bondi emphasized the operation’s significance in combating the opioid crisis. “This historic seizure has removed a staggering amount of deadly fentanyl from our communities,” she stated. “Each pill taken off the street represents a potential life saved.”

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and has been a leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. The confiscated pills, disguised as legitimate prescription medications, posed a severe risk to unsuspecting users.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The 16 individuals arrested face a range of federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, and firearms offenses. Notably, six of the defendants were found to be residing in the U.S. illegally. Attorney General Bondi affirmed that these individuals would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Collaborative Effort

The success of this operation is attributed to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the DEA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement departments across the involved states. Their joint efforts underscore the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing complex drug trafficking networks.

Ongoing Commitment

Attorney General Bondi reiterated the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations. “We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who threaten the safety and well-being of our citizens,” she declared. “This operation serves as a warning to all criminal enterprises: we are vigilant, and we will act decisively.

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