by In a landmark operation, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that U.S. authorities have seized 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl, including a staggering 3 million pills, marking one of the largest fentanyl busts in U.S. history. The operation, which also netted large quantities of other illegal substances and firearms, has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and the Sinaloa Cartel.
In addition to the fentanyl, agents recovered 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, $5 million in cash, and 49 firearms. The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals, including three women, with six of the males being in the U.S. illegally.
The drug bust targeted a criminal network led by Alberto Salazar Amaya, a high-ranking member of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, based in Salem, Oregon. The cartel had been distributing drugs across major U.S. cities, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Phoenix, Arizona, and various locations in Utah.
Bondi praised the multi-agency effort, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and supported by local, state, tribal, and federal partners. “This is a historic Sinaloa Cartel arrest and represents a monumental step in our battle against fentanyl and drug trafficking,” she said at a press briefing in Washington D.C. “The DEA has seized an unprecedented amount of fentanyl in this operation, including approximately 3 million pills—marking the largest fentanyl seizure in U.S. history.”
The seized fentanyl pills were found to be stamped as oxycodone and came in various strengths. Bondi emphasized the deadly nature of fentanyl, calling it a “weapon of mass destruction,” and sent a clear message to drug traffickers: “If we catch you, we will make sure you face the full force of the law. There will be no plea deals. You will be locked up for as long as possible.”
Bondi also addressed the issue of illegal immigration in connection with the bust. She expressed her intention to keep those arrested in U.S. prisons, saying, “The amount of drugs, money, and weapons these individuals were involved with means they will likely remain in U.S. prisons, perhaps even on high-security grounds like Alcatraz.”
This successful bust highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt the operations of dangerous international drug cartels and the commitment to safeguarding U.S. communities from the devastating effects of fentanyl.
