The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal authorities recently arrested 16 people and seized fentanyl, cash, firearms, and vehicles in five states in connection to a drug trafficking organization.
Law enforcement officers executed coordinated search warrants.
“Our communities are safer today because of the tireless dedication and coordination among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico said.
In Albuquerque, N.M., officers seized a Ford Raptor, two GMC Denalis, 7 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of heroin, 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 49 firearms, 396 kilograms of fentanyl pills and approximately $610,000.
In Salem, Ore., officers seized a Mercedes AMG, a Ford F-150 Shelby, jewelry valued at approximately $50,000 and more than $2.8 million.
In Layton, Utah, officers seized a Dodge TRX Mammoth and approximately $780,000.
In Phoenix, Ariz., officers seized 5 kilograms of cocaine, 2.4 pounds of heroin, 13 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 72 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $390,000.
In Las Vegas, officers seized 1 pound of methamphetamine, 2.7 kilograms of cocaine and more than $93,000, and apprehended and removed an illegal alien.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.