Dozens Arrested in Massive Drug Bust Linked to Notorious Mexican Cartel

The Department of Justice made a major announcement this week, revealing that federal agents had arrested and charged dozens of individuals allegedly connected to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. The arrests took place in California and other parts of the western United States.

14 Indictments Unsealed, 47 Alleged Members of Cartel Charged

According to the DOJ, 14 indictments were unsealed on Wednesday, charging 47 individuals with drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering offenses. The alleged members of the Imperial Valley, California-based fentanyl-and-methamphetamine distribution network are said to have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Sinaloa Cartel: A Notorious Crime Syndicate

The Sinaloa Cartel is known as one of the largest and most powerful crime syndicates in the world. It has become a top priority for law enforcement in the U.S., especially since its former leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was sentenced to life in prison in Colorado.

Massive Takedown Coordinated by Law Enforcement

The DOJ described the arrests as a “coordinated takedown” that involved over 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. The operation took place on Wednesday morning and resulted in the arrest of 36 defendants and the execution of 25 search warrants in multiple locations.

Search Ongoing for 11 Fugitives

While 36 individuals were arrested, the search is still ongoing for 11 fugitives who are believed to be connected to the drug trafficking organization.

Ghost Guns and Ammunition Seized in June 2021

According to court records, in June 2021, agents seized two pounds of methamphetamine and a cache of ghost guns and ammunition from the organization. These included 15 lower receivers, three upper receivers, multiple barrels and stocks, 18 magazines, 40 Luger 9mm rounds, and approximately 400 rounds of .223 Red Army ammunition from Russia.

Ghost Guns Supplied in Exchange for Methamphetamine

The DOJ stated that wiretap intercepts showed that one defendant, Cory Gershen, supplied other members of the organization with ghost guns in exchange for methamphetamine.

Assault Rifles Destined for Mexico

The investigation also revealed that the organization’s source of supply in Mexico was expecting a shipment of assault rifles, which were depicted in photos released by the DOJ.

Additional Ghost Guns and Drugs Seized in June 2021

On the same day in June 2021, agents seized more ghost guns, ammunition, and methamphetamine from another member of the organization, Guadalupe Molina-Flores. The DOJ reported that two AR-style ghost guns, a Colt .380 semiautomatic handgun, and additional Russian rifle ammunition were seized from Molina-Flores’ residence.

Fentanyl Prices Plummeting

The DOJ’s investigation also revealed that the price of fentanyl pills has significantly decreased. In June 2021, the pills were being sold for $1.65 to $1.75 each in the Imperial Valley. By December 2021, the price had dropped to just $0.50 per pill. This highlights the dangerous and widespread impact of the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug trafficking operations. 

Author