DEA Sweep In 23 States Nets $11M and Over 600 Arrests
A major law enforcement operation targeting one of the world’s most dangerous drug trafficking organizations has resulted in hundreds of arrests across the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)…
A major law enforcement operation targeting one of the world’s most dangerous drug trafficking organizations has resulted in hundreds of arrests across the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed Monday that more than 600 people with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel were taken into custody during a five-day nationwide surge operation.
From August 25 to 29, DEA agents and local partners arrested 617 suspects in 23 field divisions. Officials say the crackdown dealt a serious blow to the cartel, which is known for distributing massive quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs into American communities.
One of the largest regional targets in the operation was New England, where 171 people were arrested. DEA agents there seized over 240 kilograms of illegal drugs, more than 22,000 counterfeit pills, 33 firearms, and $1.3 million in cash. The arrests included 64 suspects in Connecticut, 49 in Massachusetts, 33 in New Hampshire, 11 in Maine, 10 in Rhode Island, and three in Vermont.
The DEA also announced the nationwide totals from the sweep: 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,469 kilograms of cocaine, 16.5 kilograms of heroin, more than 714,000 counterfeit pills, 420 firearms, and $11 million in cash.
“This shows that the Sinaloa Cartel’s tentacles spread far and deep; no community is spared,” said Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Louisville Division, which oversees operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
In one of the largest coordinated busts, 27 individuals were arrested in Franklin, New Hampshire, on August 27. That group, according to authorities, was part of a drug trafficking ring moving fentanyl and meth from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Agents say the group had been under investigation for three months.
Photos shared on social media by the DEA’s New England Division showed stacks of cash recovered from that raid, illustrating the financial scale of the operation.