In a sweeping nationwide crackdown, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has arrested more than 600 suspected members of the Sinaloa Cartel during coordinated raids across the country. The operation is being described as one of the largest enforcement campaigns against the cartel in recent years.
Operation Overview
Between August 25 and August 29, 2025, DEA agents executed a multi-state enforcement campaign involving 23 U.S. field divisions and several foreign regions. Officials report a total of 617 arrests linked to the cartel.
The operation, often referred to as a “DEA surge,” was designed to strike deep into the cartel’s distribution and financial networks.
Seizures and Evidence
Alongside arrests, law enforcement made significant drug, cash, and weapons seizures. Among the reported hauls:
- 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- 714,000 counterfeit pills
- 2,200 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 7,400 kilograms of cocaine
- 16 kilograms of heroin
- 420 firearms
- Approximately $11 million in cash and other assets
These seizures highlight the scale and sophistication of the cartel’s operations and its grip on illegal drug markets in the United States.
Regional Impact
In New England, 171 suspects were apprehended, with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire seeing major busts.
One high-profile raid occurred in Franklin, New Hampshire, where 27 individuals were arrested in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking operation. Authorities traced the supply chain back to Lawrence, Massachusetts, showing how cross-state networks operated under cartel control.
DEA Statement
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole described the results of the operation as a strong demonstration of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding American communities.
“Every kilogram of poison seized, every dollar stripped from the cartels, and every arrest we make represents lives saved and communities defended.”
With the Sinaloa Cartel now designated as a foreign terrorist organization, authorities have broader legal tools to dismantle its infrastructure and disrupt its global reach.
Looking Ahead
While the arrests and seizures represent a major blow, experts warn that the fight is far from over. The cartel’s influence is global, adaptable, and deeply entrenched. Continued pressure, both domestically and through international cooperation, will be critical to preventing resurgence.