U.S. Claims Busting Major Fentanyl Trafficking Network

U.S. law enforcement officials announced that they had dismantled one of the largest fentanyl trafficking operations in the nation’s history, making 16 arrests and seizing millions of fentanyl pills, Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward reported for Reuters.

In addition to the fentanyl pills, authorities seized 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder and large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made the announcement during a press conference, stating, “They’re flooding our cities with a weapon of mass destruction—fentanyl.”

In addition to the fentanyl pills, authorities seized 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder and large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine during last month’s operation, according to U.S. officials and court filings.

Forty-one weapons were also confiscated.

The trafficking network allegedly operated across six western states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah.

Fourteen of the 16 defendants were charged together in federal court in New Mexico on a range of offenses including conspiracy and illegal drug distribution, according to court documents.

Bondi alleged that the leader of the network was Heriberto Salazar Amaya, one of six defendants she claimed were living in the U.S. illegally.