In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, the Justice Department has announced an unprecedented drug bust orchestrated under President Donald Trump's administration. The multi-state operation has led to the largest seizure of fentanyl in American history.
On Tuesday, officials gathered at the Justice Department building where the announcement was made by the Attorney General. The operation successfully dismantled a vast criminal network across New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and was centered in Salem, Oregon. The key figure of this network, Alberto Salazar Amaya, a notorious Sinaloa Cartel leader, was arrested during the operation.
Authorities have disclosed that Amaya's drug trafficking operation managed to establish extensive distribution channels throughout the aforementioned states, contributing significantly to the opioid crisis by flooding communities with dangerous narcotics. "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," stated the Attorney General during the press conference, highlighting the extensive collaboration required for such an operation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized a staggering 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including approximately 3 million pills—a record for the United States. This bust is a testament to the gravity of the fentanyl crisis that American communities are facing. "The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including an astounding approximately 3 million fentanyl pills – the largest seizure in our nation’s history," explained the Attorney General.
The operation was deemed "the most significant victory in our nation’s fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking to date” by the Attorney General. The press conference also featured visual aids, including posters with images of the seized drugs and traffickers, which served to underscore the magnitude of the bust.
Agents and prosecutors from the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico were present, acknowledged for their tireless efforts in bringing down the operation that had long evaded capture. Additionally, it was revealed that Amaya and six of his accomplices were in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest, linking the drug crisis to ongoing border security issues.
This historic bust aligns with the Trump administration's broader strategy to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly targeting criminal organizations within the U.S. that lack legal status. The administration's immigration policies have evolved to include deportation of gang members and migrant criminals to El Salvador's notorious prison system, exemplified by the recent deportation of members from dangerous gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
The specialized prison facility in El Salvador, constructed in 2022, stands as a symbol of international cooperation in the fight against gang activity and drug trafficking. This partnership addresses security concerns for both nations, furthering the Trump administration's commitment to tackling these issues head-on.
