Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Tuesday that federal authorities have executed one of the largest fentanyl seizure operations in US history, apprehending 11.5 kilograms of the drug.
“The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including an astounding approximately 3 million fentanyl pills. The largest seizure in our nation’s history,” Bondi revealed in a briefing.
In addition to the fentanyl, authorities also seized roughly 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, $5 million in cash, and 49 firearms. Sixteen individuals were arrested in the operation, six of whom were in the country illegally.
The multi-state operation also led to the apprehension of 36-year-old Heriberto Salazar Amaya, who has ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and is the alleged leader of the drug network. Salazar Amaya was one of the six individuals Bondi confirmed were living in the country illegally.
“We’re very proud to announce today a historic Sinaloa Cartel arrest and it marks the most significant victory in our nation’s fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking to date,” Bondi explained. “This multi-agency operation, led by DEA, with our local, state, tribal and federal partners targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations in our country.”
Bondi praised DEA agents involved in the operation and described fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction,” vowing aggressive action against those who traffic the drug into the country.
“When we catch you like all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars. There will be no negotiating and we will lock you up for as long as humanly possible,” she warned. “We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members, including brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends, everyone in this room.”
The attorney general also confirmed that the suspects will not be deported, citing the seriousness of the crimes.
“The amount of drugs, the amount of money, the amount of weapons most of these individuals [had], if convicted, will remain in American prisons. Perhaps Alcatraz,” she added, referencing President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to reopen the infamous island prison.
