According to Daily Mail, the Department of Justice seized 3 million fentanyl pills and arrested Sinaloa Cartel leader Alberto Salazar Amaya in what officials call the largest drug bust in U.S. history.
The operation spanned four states, including Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, leading to multiple arrests of drug traffickers. Among those apprehended were Amaya and six accomplices who were living in the United States illegally when captured by authorities.
Major victory against dangerous drug trafficking
Attorney General Bondi emphasized the significance of this operation during Tuesday's press conference at the Justice Department building. She was joined by agents and prosecutors from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico.
Bondi delivered her statement about the operation's success, highlighting its unprecedented scale. As she spoke, posters displayed images of the seized drugs and arrested traffickers.
According to Bondi's announcement, the DEA confiscated 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including approximately 3 million pills. She declared this the largest seizure of its kind in the nation's history.
Details of the extensive operation
Amaya, the cartel leader, was found living in Salem, Oregon at the time of his arrest. The operation revealed his organization had been distributing fentanyl pills throughout multiple southwestern states.
The Justice Department collaborated with local, state, tribal and federal partners to target what Bondi described as one of the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations in the country. Their coordinated efforts led to this significant breakthrough.
Attorney General Bondi made the following statement during the press conference:
This multi-agency operation – led by DEA with our local, state, tribal and federal partners – targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations in our country. The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including an astounding approximately 3 million fentanyl pills – the largest seizure in our nation's history.
Immigration policy implications
The arrest of multiple illegal immigrants involved in the drug trafficking operation has highlighted immigration concerns. President Trump's current policies include deporting gang members and other criminal migrants found to be in the U.S. without documentation to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center.
Earlier this year, hundreds of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members were sent to this facility. The prison was constructed in 2022 as part of El Salvador's efforts to address rising gang activity.
These deportation measures align with broader efforts to combat both illegal immigration and drug trafficking simultaneously. The policy specifically targets criminal elements operating within the United States without proper documentation.
Historic drug enforcement achievement
The Department of Justice's operation successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking network spanning multiple states. The arrest of Sinaloa Cartel leader Alberto Salazar Amaya, along with his accomplices, dealt a significant blow to illegal drug distribution in the United States.
DEA agents seized 3 million fentanyl pills and 11.5 kilos of raw fentanyl in this unprecedented operation. The investigation revealed an extensive network operating across Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, with the kingpin based in Salem, Oregon. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized this as the most significant victory in the nation's ongoing battle against fentanyl trafficking and drug-related crimes.
