Bondi touts ‘weapon of mass destruction’ seized in NM as record US drug bust

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Tuesday, standing alongside U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Ryan Ellison, that law enforcement has achieved one of the largest fentanyl seizures ever recorded in the United States, uncovering 409 kilograms of fentanyl pills and an additional 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder.

Alongside the fentanyl, authorities also confiscated 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, $5 million in cash, and 49 firearms—including rifles and pistols. Sixteen individuals, including three women, were arrested in connection with the operation. Bondi noted that six of the male suspects are in the country illegally.

The alleged leader of the trafficking network, identified as Alberto Salazar Amaya, is reportedly a high-ranking operative of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. According to Bondi, Amaya had been residing in Salem, Oregon, while orchestrating drug distribution across Albuquerque, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and several areas in Utah.

“We’re very proud to announce today a historic Sinaloa Cartel arrest, and it marks the most significant victory in our nation’s fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking to date,” Bondi declared during a press conference in Washington, D.C. “This multi-agency operation, led by the DEA alongside our local, state, tribal, and federal partners, targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations in our country.”

Bondi highlighted the sheer magnitude of the bust, noting that the DEA seized approximately 3 million fentanyl pills—describing it as “the largest seizure in our nation’s history.” She explained that the pills had been pressed to resemble oxycodone tablets and were found in various dosages.

Visuals at the press conference included posters displaying the seized firearms and mugshots of the defendants. Bondi commended the DEA agents involved, emphasizing the risks they face daily in the effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

She described fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” and issued a stark warning to drug dealers: “When we catch you like all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars. There will be no negotiating, and we will lock you up for as long as humanly possible,” she said. “We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members, including brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends, everyone in this room.”

Bondi also made it clear she has no plans to deport the undocumented suspects. “The amount of drugs, the amount of money, the amount of weapons most of these individuals [had], if convicted, will remain in American prisons. Perhaps Alcatraz,” she added.

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