Over the past several years, the Justice Department has focused on dismantling the global fentanyl supply chain, spanning from China to Mexico to the United States.
Since early 2021, the Justice Department has extradited over 50 cartel members from Mexico to the United States and charged a dozen Chinese chemical companies and two dozen of their executives for shipping fentanyl precursor chemicals into Mexico and the United States. This effort is led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the primary counter-narcotic law enforcement agency in the U.S.
In 2024 alone, the DEA seized over 30 million fentanyl pills and over 4,100 pounds of fentanyl powder, representing over 208 million deadly doses. The agency also arrested over 2,100 individuals for fentanyl-related charges in collaboration with its law enforcement partners.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable.”
The Justice Department's actions include:
- In April 2023, charges were announced against several leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- In October 2023, Ovidio Guzman Lopez was extradited from Mexico to the United States.
- In April 2024, charges were filed against 41 individuals linked to various drug trafficking operations under Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).
- In May 2024, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas was extradited as one of Sinaloa Cartel’s lead assassins.
- In May 2024, Francisco Pulido was extradited for allegedly supplying CJNG with precursor chemicals.
- In July 2024, alleged Sinaloa Cartel leaders Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez were arrested.
During investigations into the Chapitos network, significant seizures included over 2.5 million fentanyl-laced pills and substantial quantities of fentanyl powder and precursor chemicals.
Efforts to disrupt chemical precursor supply chains have seen multiple indictments against China-based companies and their employees. Notable actions include:
- On Oct. 3, 2023: Unsealing eight indictments related to synthetic opioid production.
- February 2024: A nearly 19-year sentence for importing tons of fentanyl precursors from China into Mexico.
- June 2024: A superseding indictment in "Operation Fortune Runner" targeting money laundering groups linked to Chinese underground banking.
To counteract fentanyl’s fatal impact:
- The Justice Department convicted numerous defendants for distributing lethal doses of fentanyl.
- DEA initiated Operation OD Justice focusing on fatal poisoning investigations.
- The "One Pill Can Kill" campaign aims at public awareness about fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl.
Targeting criminal enterprises on Darknet platforms:
The Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team led Operation SpecTor resulting in numerous arrests and seizures. An individual operating under "Redlightlabs" was apprehended after conducting thousands of drug transactions involving potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Building partnerships to combat transnational organized crime:
The DEA collaborates with online retailers regarding pill press equipment regulations. The FBI enhances its presence in Mexico through Border Liaison Officers working on matters of U.S interests. Additionally, ATF continues efforts under Operation Southbound to curb firearm trafficking from the U.S. to Mexico.