Federal authorities have conducted a major operation resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of substantial quantities of fentanyl, cash, firearms, and vehicles across several states. This operation is considered one of the largest drug busts in U.S. history.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "This historic drug seizure, led by the DEA, is a significant blow against the Sinaloa Cartel that removes poison from our streets and protects American citizens from the scourge of fentanyl." She emphasized that the Department of Justice will continue its efforts to dismantle cartel networks operating illegally within the United States.
The operation involved coordinated search warrants executed across five states. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, authorities seized approximately $610,000 in cash, 49 firearms including ghost guns, 396 kilograms of fentanyl pills, and other drugs. Vehicles valued at about $140,000 were also confiscated.
In Salem, Oregon, over $2.8 million in cash was seized along with jewelry valued at approximately $50,000 and vehicles worth around $150,000. Layton, Utah saw seizures amounting to approximately $780,000 in cash and a vehicle valued at roughly $150,000.
Phoenix, Arizona had seizures including approximately $390,000 in cash and various drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. In Las Vegas, Nevada an illegal alien was apprehended along with more than $93,000 in cash and additional drugs.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico commented on the operation's success: "Our communities are safer today because of the tireless dedication and coordination among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement." He highlighted that millions of lethal doses were removed from streets as a result.
DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy noted this case as DEA’s largest single seizure of fentanyl pills to date: "Behind the three million fentanyl pills we seized are destructive criminal acts thwarted and American lives saved."
Heriberto Salazar Amaya has been identified as the leader of this drug trafficking organization. He faces multiple charges alongside others such as Cesar Acuna-Moreno and Bruce Sedillo who are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl among other offenses.
Additional arrests include Phillip Lovato from Santa Fe for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; Roberta Herrera from whose apartment agents seized drugs including heroin; Misael Lopez Rubio who had large quantities stored in a rented unit.
The DEA’s El Paso Division led this investigation with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigation along with numerous local law enforcement agencies across different states participating actively throughout this extensive operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew McGinley among others are prosecuting these cases which form part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aiming at eliminating cartels while protecting communities against violent crime perpetrators through streamlined efforts involving multiple task forces under DOJ directives.