Largest Fentanyl Bust in US History Announced by AG Bondi, DEA, and USAO New Mexico

Historic Fentanyl Bust Announced

• 🎯 A major multi-agency operation has resulted in the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history, targeting a major drug trafficking organization.
• 🤝 This significant victory was achieved through collaboration between the DEA, local, state, tribal, and federal partners.

Seized Quantities and Illicit Substances

• 💊 The operation seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including approximately 3 million fentanyl pills, stamped as oxycodone.
• 💰 In addition to fentanyl, law enforcement confiscated $5 million in cash, 35 kilos of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilos of cocaine, and 4.5 kilos of heroin.
• 🔫 49 rifles and pistols were also seized as part of the operation.

Key Arrests and Organization Details

• 👤 The leader of the organization, Alberto Salazar Amaya, identified as part of the Sinaloa cartel, was arrested. He was living illegally in Salem, Oregon.
• 🌎 The drugs were distributed across Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Utah, demonstrating the organization's wide reach.
• 🇨🇳 The precursors for the fentanyl were sourced from China, trafficked through Mexico, and then entered the U.S.

Impact and Dangers of Fentanyl

• ⚠️ Fentanyl is described as a weapon of mass destruction, responsible for an estimated 75,000 American deaths annually.
• 💔 It is the number one cause of death for individuals aged 18-34 in the United States.
• 💊 Fentanyl is being mixed into various drugs, including oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, Molly, cocaine, and marijuana, to induce severe addiction.

Law Enforcement Commitment

• ⏳ The operation involved over 55,000 hours of law enforcement investigation.
• ⚖️ Authorities vow to prosecute those involved, stating there will be no negotiation and they will be imprisoned for as long as possible.
• 🚨 Future operations are planned, with more arrests and seizures to come, aiming to remove this dangerous substance from the streets.