Crackdown on Sinaloa Cartel Leads to Over 600 Arrests
A significant nationwide operation against the Sinaloa cartel has culminated in the arrest of more than 600 individuals, according to officials.
This extensive effort reportedly included the apprehension of 171 suspects across New England.
On Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that from August 25 to 29, agents arrested 617 people linked to the cartel across 23 divisions in the United States.
The enforcement action also resulted in a substantial amount of drugs, firearms, and cash being seized.
Among the confiscations were 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,469 kilograms of cocaine, 16.5 kilograms of heroin, over 714,000 counterfeit pills, 420 firearms, and $11 million in cash.
“These results showcase DEA’s determination to protect American citizens,” stated DEA administrator Terrance Cole.
“All the money and drugs seized from the cartel and all the arrests will strengthen our communities. We won’t relent until the Sinaloa cartel is completely dismantled,” he added.
In New England specifically, officials reported 171 arrests, alongside the seizure of 244 kilograms of drugs, 22,115 counterfeit pills, $1.3 million in cash, and 33 firearms.
The breakdown of arrests included 64 in Connecticut, 49 in Massachusetts, 33 in New Hampshire, 11 in Maine, 10 in Rhode Island, and three in Vermont.
“They are our number one public threat in New England,” commented Jarod Forge, a special agent in charge of the DEA’s New England division.
One notable operation occurred in Franklin, New Hampshire on August 27, resulting in the arrest of 27 individuals following a three-month investigation. The suspects were charged with trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine sourced from Lawrence, Massachusetts.
This operation underscored the cartel’s infiltration into both urban and rural communities.
“This illustrates the far-reaching and pervasive influence of the Sinaloa cartel. No community is untouched,” remarked Jim Scott, a special agent overseeing the Louisville division, which covers Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Drug Enforcement Bureau for additional comments.
