Major Drug Precursor Seized in Crackdown on Cartels

A lawyer for the District of Columbia confirmed on Thursday that federal authorities have intercepted one of the largest shipments of drug precursors intended for the Sinaloa Cartel.

The recent efforts to combat drug cartels have intensified following President Trump’s authorization of a military strike earlier this week. In a separate incident off the coast of Venezuela, members of the Tren de Aragua allegedly killed 11 individuals. During an appearance on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Piro disclosed the seizure of 1,300 barrels filled with a precursor for methamphetamine, thanks to collaboration with various agencies including Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol, the FBI, and the DEA.

“We made the interception on the high seas and transported these 1,300 barrels back to the Port of Houston,” Piro explained to Jesse Watters. “Sadly, cartels are making millions every day because of this.”

Piro expressed gratitude towards President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for branding these significant cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, arguing that it provides new resources to disrupt their financial operations and supply chains.

“The Sinaloa cartel is among the most brutal and dangerous,” Piro stated. “But this designation has equipped us and Attorney General Pam Bondi with the tools we need to combat these operations more effectively, especially in disrupting our supply chain.” He noted that while the seized shipment is valued at five billion in Houston, it could be worth much more if it reached places like New York.

On Thursday, the State Department also announced the addition of two Ecuadorian gangs, Los Coneros and Los Lobos, to its list of foreign terrorist organizations, instructing that they be treated as such by government and military forces.

Piro highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl and meth trafficking, lamenting the ongoing crisis in America. “Every day, families are suffering from this drug war—drugs that are harming Americans,” she said. “They’ve seen the consequences at funeral homes.” She emphasized that President Trump’s actions have empowered law enforcement to address these issues.

In July, Trump enacted the Stop Fentanyl Act, reclassifying all fentanyl analogs as Schedule I substances under federal law. This legislation significantly increases penalties related to human trafficking and provides law enforcement greater authority to tackle drug dealers and traffickers. At a White House event, Trump urged Canada, Mexico, and China to take more rigorous measures to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.