DEA Announces Largest Single Seizure of Fentanyl Pills in its History

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the largest single seizure of fentanyl pills in DEA history, as part of a broader operation that disrupted a massive fentanyl trafficking ring in the western United States. 

The single seizure occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as 2.7 million fentanyl pills were seized. The seizure amounts to nearly 1.5 million doses of fentanyl taken out of circulation.

“This case represents DEA’s largest single seizure of fentanyl pills to date. I commend the men and women of DEA for their extraordinary work, day in and day out, and I remind the cartels that DEA is relentlessly in pursuit and will not stop until we destroy your networks,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy.

Across the entire operation more than three million fentanyl pills and 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder were seized. In addition, agents seized cocaine, heroin, meth, about $4 million in U.S. currency, 49 firearms, and five vehicles.

In addition to Albuquerque, busts occurred in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Layton, Utah, and Salem, Oregon. 

“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 U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico.

16 Arrests

Among the 16 people arrested in the raids is alleged ringleader Heriberto Salazar Amaya of Salem, Oregon. Prosecutors say Salazar Amaya was the mastermind of the drug trafficking ring and had ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Salazar Amaya is a Mexican national who moved around different states to avoid detection. 

“This historic drug seizure, led by the DEA, is a significant blow against the Sinaloa Cartel that removes poison from our streets and protects American citizens from the scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

According to court records, DEA and law enforcement agents used undercover operations, vehicle trackers, physical surveillance, and monitoring of financial accounts to identify the suspects and bust the ring. 

The DEA’s El Paso Division led the investigation with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, and state and local authorities.