ALBUQUERQUE – Sixteen people are behind bars after what the Drug Enforcement Administration is calling the largest fentanyl bust in its history. Authorities seized more than 400 kilograms of fentanyl—along with other drugs, cash, guns, and vehicles—across several states.
To put that in perspective: just two milligrams of fentanyl—about the size of five to seven grains of salt—can be deadly for the average adult.
“By dismantling one of the largest and most dangerous fentanyl trafficking organizations in U.S. history, we have removed millions of lethal doses from our streets and sent a clear message: those who profit from poisoning our citizens will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Ryan Ellison. “The fight continues, but this operation marks a decisive step in protecting families across the western United States.”
Search warrants were executed in New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Among those arrested: 36-year-old Heriberto Salazar Amaya—a Mexican national and alleged Sinaloa cartel leader—taken into custody in Salem, Oregon.
You can see the full list of the 16 people arrested in the DEA’s official press release.
Images of busts released by DEA below:
