Massive Operation Nets Over 600 Arrests in Fight Against Notorious Drug Cartel
Over 600 individuals have been apprehended in a major operation aimed at dismantling a notorious drug cartel. This drug cartel, known for its violent activities and influence, is responsible for the rampant spread of deadly drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the United States.
The operation targeted one of the most dangerous and influential drug cartels based in Mexico. This organization, along with seven others, has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization and is considered a tremendous threat to the safety, health, and national security of the U.S.
Details of the Week-Long Operation
The nationwide operation took place across 23 domestic divisions and seven international regions. The collaborative enforcement actions resulted in the arrest of 617 individuals. Alongside the arrests, the operation also led to the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, firearms, and assets.
- An estimated 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder were seized.
- Law enforcement confiscated over 714,707 counterfeit pills.
- Authorities seized 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine.
- Officers confiscated 7,469 kilograms of cocaine.
- A total of 420 firearms were taken into custody.
- Assets and currency worth nearly $13 million were seized.
Impact of the Operation
Reflecting on the operation's success, the head of the operation stated, "These results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the American people." He emphasized that each arrest, each kilogram of drug seized, and every dollar taken from the cartel represents lives saved and communities protected. He pledged that the fight against the cartel will continue until it is completely disassembled.
The drug cartel is known to have tens of thousands of members, associates, and facilitators operating globally, in at least 40 countries. These individuals are responsible for producing, manufacturing, distributing, and executing operations related to trafficking dangerous and deadly synthetic drugs.
Continuous Efforts Against the Cartel
The operation's leader in Los Angeles stated that while the numbers reflect a week-long snapshot, the efforts to combat the cartel persist year-round. He described the cartel's reach as vast and relentless, with a ruthless intent on profiting from their deadly products, disregarding the human suffering they cause.
He further emphasized the critical nature of the operation's work, commending the exceptional efforts of the team that led to the operation's success. He concluded, "The success achieved during this operation is a direct result of the unwavering and exceptional work by the men and women involved."