Mexico Seizes Record Fentanyl Haul
Mexican security forces announced Wednesday that they captured over a ton of fentanyl pills in the state of Sinaloa, marking the country's largest-ever seizure of synthetic opioid fentanyl worth approximately $400M and equivalent to 20M doses....
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Facts
- Mexican security forces announced Wednesday that they captured over a ton of fentanyl pills in the state of Sinaloa, marking the country's largest-ever seizure of synthetic opioid fentanyl worth approximately $400M and equivalent to 20M doses.[1][2]
- The operation, conducted in the home state of the Sinaloa Cartel, occurred in two separate raids where authorities discovered 800 kgs (1.7K lbs) in one location and 300 kgs (660 lbs) in another, along with precursor chemicals and industrial equipment.[3][1]
- This seizure comes days after US Pres.-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods unless both countries addressed drug trafficking and illegal immigration.[4]
- Border arrivals have dropped 40% from last December's all-time high, with Mexican authorities detaining over 5.2K migrants on Tuesday.[2][5]
- The Sinaloa state is approaching 500 murders in three months, which comes after the capture of cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada in July.[1][6]
- Fentanyl seizures in Mexico had previously decreased by 94% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, dropping from 2,329 kgs (5.1K lbs) to just 130 kgs (286 lbs).[7]
Sources: [1]The Epoch Times, [2]Al Jazeera, [3]New York Times, [4]FOX News, [5]CBS, [6]EL PAÍS English and [7]Guardian.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by MSNBC. This drug bust is a prime example of why Mexico is a critical ally of the US and should be treated with respect. Unfortunately, Trump has, for almost a decade now, chosen to blame Mexico and immigrants rather than poor US policy and drug demand. Building a wall and taxing Mexican imports won't stop Americans from using drugs — in fact, it will do the opposite, putting American security and economic interests in danger.
- Republican narrative, as provided by PJ Media. Critics can offer all the pessimistic predictions they want, but the fact is that Trump, without entering office yet, is already forcing Mexico to take a stand against drug smuggling. Not only is Mexico stopping illegal immigrants and fentanyl from crossing the US border, but illegal migrants themselves are deciding to return home ahead of Trump's inauguration. As Pres. Biden sleeps his way to retirement, Trump is prepping the world for his incoming no-nonsense presidency.
