Major Fentanyl Bust Announced by US Attorney General

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed one of the largest fentanyl seizures in American history. Authorities confiscated 11.5 kilos (over 25 pounds) of fentanyl and arrested the leader of a prominent drug cartel.

“The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl—roughly 3 million pills, marking the largest seizure we’ve seen in this country,” she stated. “This is a significant victory in our fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking.”

Alongside fentanyl, the operation also led to the confiscation of 35 kilos of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilos of cocaine, 4.5 kilos of heroin, and 49 firearms, along with $5 million in cash.

The illicit drugs had been distributed in several areas, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Phoenix, Arizona, and throughout Utah. In total, 16 individuals were arrested. Notably, six were found to be in the U.S. illegally, according to Bondi.

Alberto Salazar Amaya, identified as a ringleader and a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel, was living in Salem, Oregon, while directing the drug operations through New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. He has now been apprehended.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the arrest associated with this historic operation against the Sinaloa cartel,” Bondi remarked. “This multi-agency initiative, led by the DEA and supported by local, state, tribal, and federal partners, targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking organizations in our country.”

Additionally, Bondi issued a stern warning to others considering smuggling and distributing drugs into the United States.

“We have no tolerance for these individuals. If convicted, you will face significant imprisonment—there will be no deals,” she emphasized. “We do not negotiate with those harming families—parents, siblings, friends. The volumes of drugs, money, and weapons involved mean that, if found guilty, these individuals could serve substantial time in U.S. prisons.”