(OurNationNews.com) – The Department of Justice charged 47 cartel members with different offenses, including drug trafficking, firearm possession, and money laundering. Four hundred officers across federal and local jurisdictions conducted a coordinated effort across California, Oregon, and Arizona to make 36 arrests. This involved the execution of 25 search warrants, but the officers were unable to arrest the other 11 suspects.
The suspects are part of a network that has been distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. AG Merrick Garland released a statement regarding the arrests and said the DOJ has issued another blow to the Sinaloa cartel. He said they will continue to investigate and stop cartels from harming U.S. communities.
The investigation led to officers confiscating more than four kilograms of fentanyl, which would be enough to cause nearly two million fatalities. Agents also confiscated 714 pounds of methamphetamine, 52 firearms, and significant amounts of cocaine and heroin.
A United States Border Patrol agent was also named as a suspect in the distribution network. The agent’s name is Alexander Grindley and he was arrested for his alleged actions with the drug trafficking network. More investigations are occurring to determine if other agents at that border crossing district are involved in the trafficking scheme.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas praised the effort and said the government is working effectively to prevent the deaths of Americans from violent cartels.
United States Senator Jon Ossoff released a statement and a DOJ inquiry about doing more to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S. by Mexican cartels. Ossoff said cartels find weaknesses along the border and exploit those to traffic narcotics into the country. He said these cartels are facilitating drug addiction, violence, and human trafficking.
Ossoff has been heavily involved in legislation to combat child and fentanyl trafficking. The child trafficking bill passed and the fentanyl bill was signed into law. Joe Biden continues to face criticism for his southern border policies during the 2024 election campaign.
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