WASHINGTON — More than 600 people were arrested in a week-long surge targeting the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The cartel is widely considered the world’s largest and most dangerous drug-trafficking organization.
The operation, conducted Aug. 25–29, led to 617 arrests and the seizure of more than $11 million in cash, $1.6 million in assets, and 420 firearms. Agents also confiscated 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder, more than 714,000 counterfeit pills, 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,469 kilograms of cocaine, and 16.5 kilograms of heroin.
DEA officials said agents from 23 domestic field divisions and seven foreign offices took part in the effort.
“The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most significant threats to public safety, public health and our national security,” the agency said in a statement.
In February, the Trump Administration designated the cartel, along with seven other groups, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
As Emily’s Hope recently reported, cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia has pleaded guilty to leading a continuing criminal enterprise and racketeering — charges that will keep him in a U.S. prison for life.
