Over 170 Arrested in Sinaloa Cartel Crackdown in New England

Officials from the New England Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have announced the arrest of over 170 individuals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel as part of a recent operation. The authorities reportedly seized various items, including packaging marked with more than 22,000 counterfeit drugs, and fentanyl powder.

A special DEA agent for the New England Field Division referred to the Sinaloa Cartel as “the number one public enemy in New England.” He mentioned to a local news channel that during a nationwide operation over the course of a week, 171 cartel members were apprehended specifically in New England.

However, it remains uncertain if those taken into custody are direct members of the cartel or merely associated with its distribution network. Earlier this year, the previous administration designated the Sinaloa cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, implying that anyone supporting such a group could face charges for providing material assistance, along with drug possession and human trafficking violations.

When a News25 investigative reporter posed a question about the visibility of cartel members in the community, an official responded that they are present in all states, not just in New England but across more than 40 countries.

A video shared by a news outlet showcased an operation in Franklin, New Hampshire, where 27 arrests were made. This event resulted in a significant seizure of fentanyl, allegedly connected to the Sinaloa cartel.

The agents also recovered a considerable sum of cash alongside the fentanyl. One agent remarked on the challenge of distinguishing between real and counterfeit drugs, especially since some pills are designed to mimic legitimate ones, like the M30.

Regarding the extent of their efforts, an official emphasized that they are not simply targeting low-level drug traffickers but are focused on broader trafficking networks. The fight against these organizations is ongoing and critical for public safety and national security.

According to reports, the agents seized 244 drugs, over 22,115 counterfeit pills, and approximately $1.3 million in cash, along with items labeled featuring the Sinaloa Cartel logo.

Breitbart attempted to reach the DEA New England division for further details, but responses were not available at the publication time.