Mexico captures more than 2,000 kilograms of Fentanyl in record-breaking bust
MEXICO CITY—Mexican security forces announced on Wednesday that they had made the biggest fentanyl confiscation in the country’s history, seizing 1,100 kilograms of the synthetic opioid in Sinaloa state.
According to law enforcement, the seizure was equivalent to 20 million fentanyl doses and would result in a $400 million economic blow to organized crime.
Sinaloa has recently experienced increased violence, with factions of the Sinaloa Cartel engaged in intense conflict following the capture of kingpin Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in July.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to pressure Mexico into taking more action to halt the flow of fentanyl northwards, a substance that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. He has warned of imposing heavy tariffs if measures to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration are not seen.
On Tuesday, Mexican authorities reported the apprehension of over 5,200 migrants across the country, marking a heightened enforcement effort to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S. border.
The fentanyl was discovered at two locations in Ahome municipality, following intelligence work and tips from the public.
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Law enforcement uncovered 800 kilograms of fentanyl, precursor chemicals, and four vehicles in one building. In another location, they found 11 packages totaling about 300 kilograms of fentanyl, along with precursors, scales, and industrial mixers.
“This is the outcome of a lengthy investigation that came to fruition yesterday,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference, emphasizing it as the largest fentanyl confiscation ever.
In the past, Mexico has been accused of inflating seizure figures. A 2023 Reuters investigation exposed how the army had significantly increased the number of claimed drug lab raids by including facilities that were no longer operational.
