In a series of coordinated raids, law enforcement agencies have launched a significant crackdown on the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. During these operations, they successfully seized a substantial amount of methamphetamine, with an estimated value in the millions of dollars.
A total of forty-eight individuals, believed to be affiliated with a drug-trafficking network connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, have recently faced charges for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. This significant operation was executed through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
According to court records, the individuals were reportedly involved in a drug-trafficking organization that operated in the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico. The organization had connections to “Los Rusos,” which is the primary armed faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, known for its loyalty to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that a joint operation involving more than 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers has resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects. The operation also included the execution of 15 search warrants in several locations, including Imperial County in California, Yuma in Arizona, and Las Vegas in Nevada. According to authorities, there are still 23 additional suspects who are currently at large and connected to the case.
The indictments filed against the individuals encompass a range of serious charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling. This thorough investigation has led to the discovery of over 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and even a firearm.
The drugs are believed to have an estimated street value of around $72 million. This estimation is based on the previous discovery of meth in Texas, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) estimates were used. Newsweek conducted its own calculations, taking into account the average price of a pound of meth and multiplying it. To confirm the estimated value of the drugs, Newsweek reached out to the DOJ.
According to the CBP, the cost of drugs can differ across states due to various factors.
According to a spokesperson from CBP, determining the street value of drugs is a complex task due to various factors such as geography, trafficking amounts, and the distinction between retail and wholesale prices.
Los Rusos, the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel mentioned in this indictment, is recognized for its loyalty to the infamous drug lord El Mayo, who is presently held in detention in New York.
Jesús Alexander Sánchez Félix leads Los Rusos, a group that dominates drug smuggling routes in Baja California.
El Mayo’s loyalists have been involved in a fierce and violent cartel conflict with “Los Chapitos,” the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
The Sinaloa Cartel, which is recognized as one of Mexico’s most influential drug-trafficking organizations, has traditionally maintained control over the drug routes leading into the United States.
The primary motive behind the ongoing cartel conflict between Los Chapitos and Los Rusos seems to be their rivalry for dominance in drug-trafficking routes and the lucrative profits generated by the manufacturing and distribution of illegal narcotics.
“This investigation deals yet another blow to traffickers who profit from the distribution of lethal drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine,” stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.
“With the indictment of forty-eight individuals, we are not only disrupting a major drug-trafficking network, but also taking significant steps to protect our community from the devastating effects caused by these drugs. Our commitment lies in dismantling these dangerous operations and ensuring that those responsible for fueling the crisis are held accountable.”
Shawn Gibson, the special agent in charge for HSI San Diego, expressed the challenge faced by HSI in investigating cases linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. He emphasized the need to go beyond targeting those who profit from addiction and instead focus on dismantling the transnational network that is responsible for causing immense harm to our communities and tearing families apart.
“We owe our success in today’s takedown to the incredible support and assistance we received from our dedicated law enforcement partners. Through our collaborative efforts, we were able to utilize our distinct expertise in combating trafficking organizations and effectively disrupt and dismantle operations like the one we targeted.”