Mexican Authorities Seize Record Amount of Fentanyl Shortly After Trump’s Tariff Threat
President-elect Donald Trump recently threatened a 25 percent tariff against Mexico if it didn’t act to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking
Mexican security forces revealed that they had seized 1,100 kilograms of fentanyl in Sinaloa, marking the largest fentanyl seizure in the country’s history.
Mexico’s top security official, Omar Garcia Harfuch, stated that officials seized over a ton of fentanyl in Sinaloa, making it the largest seizure thus far. He also mentioned the arrest of two men and the seizure of several guns.
During a press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commented on the recent fentanyl seizures and highlighted the ongoing investigation that led to these significant results.
Violence has escalated in Sinaloa recently, particularly after the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, triggering clashes among factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
“These measures will persist until the violence in Sinaloa diminishes,” Harfuch affirmed.
Sinaloa is the base of the potent drug cartel with the same name, previously led by drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, currently incarcerated in Colorado.
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Security forces located the fentanyl during an operation in the municipality of Ahome, following tips from the public and intelligence work.
Law enforcement found 800 kilograms of fentanyl, precursor chemicals, and vehicles at one site, while the other site revealed 300 kg of fentanyl, precursors, scales, and mixers.
Former Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador consistently denied Mexico’s involvement in fentanyl production, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
President-elect Donald Trump had previously threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada if they did not address illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking into the United States.
Following this, he had a conversation with Sheinbaum, reassuring that caravans of migrants heading to the U.S.–Mexico border would be stopped. However, Sheinbaum refuted Trump’s claim of closing down the Mexican border.
An activist group and a Mexican agency reported the dissolution of a migrant caravan heading north, although the Mexican National Migration Institute denied allegations of deceptive tactics.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Trump and pledged to enhance border security with the United States, following Trump’s tariff threats.
Trump also warned of a potential 10 percent tariff on China if they failed to halt fentanyl production, which has caused numerous fatal overdoses in the U.S.
Upon assuming office, Trump plans to initiate a mass deportation program and declare a national emergency. He has appointed Tom Homan as his border czar and nominated Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Reuters contributed to this report.
