Phoenix seizure part of 5-state, record-breaking drug bust

PHOENIX — A record-breaking drug bust across five states, including Arizona, led to 17 arrests and over 400 kilograms of fentanyl seized, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the bust a “significant blow against the Sinaloa cartel.” The U.S. seized roughly $510 million worth of shipments tied to the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels in April.

“The Department of Justice will continue working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle every cartel network operating illegally in the United States,” Bondi added in a statement.

All told, 420.5 kilograms of fentanyl were seized, including 13 kilograms in Phoenix.

The Valley seizure also included 72 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.4 pounds of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine and about $390,000 in cash.

“By dismantling one of the largest and most dangerous fentanyl trafficking organizations in U.S. history, we have removed millions of lethal doses from our streets and sent a clear message: those who profit from poisoning our citizens will be held accountable,” Ryan Ellison, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, said.

“The fight continues, but this operation marks a decisive step in protecting families across the western United States,” he continued.

Where else were the seizures in the record-breaking drug bust?

There were four other locations involved, with the following seized by authorities:

Albuquerque, New Mexico:

• 396 kilograms of fentanyl pills
• 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder
• 1.5 kilograms of cocaine
• 3.5 kilograms of heroin
• seven pounds of methamphetamine
• 49 firearms
• two vehicles (Ford Raptor and GMC Denali) valued at about $140,000
• about $610,000 in cash.

Salem, Oregon:

• about $50,000 worth of jewelry
• two vehicles (Mercedes AMG and Ford F-150) valued at about $150,000
• about $2.8 million in cash

Layton, Utah:

• one vehicle (Dodge TRX Mammoth) valued at about $150,000
• about $780,000 in cash

Las Vegas, Nevada:

• 2.7 kilograms of cocaine
• one pound of methamphetamine
• about $93,000 in cash

There was also an undocumented migrant at the Las Vegas location arrested and deported, authorities said.

Heriberto Salazar Amaya, a 36-year-old whom the Justice Department lists as the trafficking organization’s leader, was charged along with 13 other people with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Amaya was also charged with three immigration-related offenses.

The Drug Enforcement Agency worked with the Justice Department in the coordinated bust, which resulted in the arrests of three additional people to whom the apartments and storage units allegedly belonged.

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