Mexican security forces captured over a ton of fentanyl this week, marking the largest synthetic opioid seizure in the country’s history, equivalent to 20 million doses of the drug.
This operation is part of a broader crackdown on violence and illicit drugs initiated by Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump next month.
Trump has pledged to impose steep tariffs on Mexico unless the government effectively halts drug and migrant crossings at the border.
Authorities reported the confiscation of 800 kilograms of fentanyl from a truck at a residence in Sinaloa state, a known hub for fentanyl production and the Sinaloa Cartel. Additionally, officials seized chemical precursors for the synthetic drug and another 300 kilograms from a separate location, along with industrial mixers and scales.
In a related operation, two men were arrested while carrying two kilograms of fentanyl pills. Authorities indicated that these individuals were part of a cell involved in the production and trafficking of fentanyl.
During a news conference, President Sheinbaum described the operations as a culmination of a lengthy investigation, resulting in “the largest mass seizure of fentanyl pills ever made.” The total value of the seized fentanyl pills is estimated at nearly $400 million.
Sheinbaum has vowed to address the rampant violence associated with drug cartels, which has escalated in her first two months in office. This surge in violence follows the recent arrest of cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García, which has intensified conflicts among factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s security minister, stated that these actions will persist until violence in Sinaloa decreases. Since Sheinbaum took office on October 1, authorities have arrested over 5,300 individuals and seized nearly 58 tons of drugs, including the equivalent of 50 million doses of fentanyl.
Some security analysts suggest that the new administration’s focus on crime may be an effort to appease Trump, who has historically targeted Mexico in his rhetoric. Trump has threatened severe tariffs on Mexican exports and has even suggested U.S. military action against drug cartels.
Eduardo Guerrero, a security consultant, noted that Trump’s threats have prompted action, aiming to present a portfolio of achievements to Trump’s security team during negotiations.
Analysts also highlighted that the new administration has prioritized intelligence and improved coordination among federal security forces, local police, and prosecutors, marking a potential shift from the previous administration’s approach.
Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had focused on addressing root causes of violence, such as poverty, under the slogan “hugs, not bullets.” While this policy had some success, it did not significantly reduce violence across Mexico.
It remains uncertain whether Sheinbaum has fully abandoned this approach, but some analysts have observed indications of a more aggressive strategy. Josué Ángel González Torres remarked that the previous slogan is no longer prominent, suggesting substantive changes that may be positive.
In the recent operations, authorities reported observing individuals carrying what appeared to be firearms fleeing into two houses in Ahome, Sinaloa. Upon entering, they discovered a total of 1,100 kilograms of fentanyl and related equipment.
The second operation took place in Guasave, where officers apprehended two individuals attempting to escape in a vehicle. A search revealed firearms, loaded magazines, communication equipment, and two kilograms of fentanyl pills.