Background on the Sinaloa Cartel and its Designation
The Sinaloa Cartel, one of the six major drug-trafficking organizations in the United States, was labeled as a “terrorist” entity by former President Donald Trump. Founded by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and his son Ovidio Guzmán, the cartel has been a significant player in the global drug trade.
Major Drug Seizures and Cryptocurrency Confiscation
In a joint operation between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI, more than $10 million in cryptocurrency linked to the Sinaloa Cartel was confiscated. This seizure took place during a raid in Miami, Florida, as part of a nationwide effort that has resulted in the confiscation of 44 million fentanyl pills, 2,000 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, and methamphetamine since January.
The DEA’s successful coordination led to the confiscation of $10 million in cryptocurrency directly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to authorities.
Triggering the Operation
This operation followed Ovidio Guzmán’s admission of guilt on drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court last Friday. His father, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, was convicted in a highly publicized U.S. trial and sentenced to life in prison in 2019.
Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
The Miami raid is part of a series of nationwide operations in recent weeks that have led to the seizure of thousands of kilograms of drugs and the arrest of dozens of individuals in California, Texas, Georgia, and other states.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the Sinaloa Cartel? The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the largest and most influential drug-trafficking organizations in Mexico, founded by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. It has been involved in the global drug trade, dealing primarily in cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
- Why was the cartel labeled as “terrorist” by former President Trump? Former President Donald Trump designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a “terrorist” entity in 2020, citing its involvement in drug trafficking and associated violence.
- What is the significance of seizing cryptocurrency linked to the cartel? Seizing cryptocurrency connected to criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel can disrupt their financial operations, making it more difficult for them to fund their activities and launder money.
- What other drugs were confiscated besides fentanyl? In addition to fentanyl, the DEA and FBI confiscated methamphetamine as part of their nationwide operation.
- Who is Ovidio Guzmán and why is his case significant? Ovidio Guzmán is one of the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. His recent admission of guilt on drug trafficking charges triggered the DEA’s operation leading to the cryptocurrency seizure.
