Mexico seizes record amount of fentanyl in Sinaloa
The Mexican military made a significant breakthrough on Tuesday when they seized over a ton of fentanyl pills in two separate raids, marking one of the largest fentanyl seizures in the country’s history. The raids were carried out in response to a noticeable decline in fentanyl seizures in Mexico this year, coinciding with President-elect Trump’s recent threats to impose tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods due to concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The operations took place in Sinaloa, the state known for being the base of the notorious drug cartel of the same name. Mexican soldiers and marines encountered two armed individuals during the raids, leading to the discovery of 660 pounds of fentanyl in one residence and a staggering 1,750 pounds in a truck parked at another location. Additionally, several firearms were confiscated, and two suspects were apprehended.
Public Safety Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch praised the operation as the largest fentanyl seizure in Sinaloa’s history, attributing the success to ongoing investigations. The pretext for the raid, which involved spotting armed individuals, has previously been used by Mexican authorities to enter properties without a warrant.
Fentanyl production in Mexico is often linked to Chinese precursors, with the drug being trafficked into the U.S. by cartels. President Trump has been vocal in urging Mexico to crack down on drug smuggling, threatening tariffs on Chinese imports over the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. The drug is responsible for approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually in the United States.
In light of the seizure, the U.S. State Department announced an increase in the reward for Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The cartel is notorious for trafficking fentanyl and other illicit substances into the U.S.
The news of the fentanyl seizure coincided with discussions between President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the proposed tariffs. Sheinbaum and Trump engaged in a productive conversation over the phone, while Trudeau expressed concerns that the tariffs would harm Canada’s economy.
The successful drug bust underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and the importance of international cooperation in addressing the issue. The Associated Press contributed to the report, highlighting the collaborative efforts in tackling the drug epidemic.
