Dozens Of Sinaloa Cartel Operatives Charged For Trafficking Hundreds Of Pounds Of Fentanyl

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges for dozens of members of the Sinaloa Cartel for their role in trafficking hundreds of pounds of fentanyl.

In a social media publication, Bondi noted that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently arrested 15 alleged operatives. "The Sinaloa Cartel relies on drug trafficking to finance its terrorism against the American people while spreading poison in our communities," Bondi said.

"Today's indictment is a significant blow against this terrorist organization's infrastructure as we carry out President Trump's mission of dismantling and destroying the cartels," she added.

Overall, Infobae noted, the DOJ pressed charges against 26 people accusing them of drug-trafficking and money laundering. Agents seized 360 kilos of fentanyl, 80 kilos of meth and 50 kilos of cocaine, authorities informed. Shipments from this cell were usually sent to Illinois, Missouri and neighboring states.

The United States has also been intensifying pressure on Mexico's financial sector to curb money laundering, fentanyl trafficking and cartel financing, with senior officials warning that Mexican banks must do more to prevent organized crime from exploiting the country's financial system.

In June, the Treasury Department designated three Mexico-based financial entities — CIBanco, Intercam Banco and Vector Casa de Bolsa — as "institutions of primary money laundering concern" under the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. The move effectively barred certain U.S. banks from transacting with them, citing alleged ties to laundering money for cartels.

Following the U.S. action, Mexico's own banking regulator imposed fines totaling more than 185 million pesos (about $9.8 million). Intercam Banco received the largest penalty, followed by CIBanco and Vector. All three institutions denied wrongdoing, and Mexican officials said Washington had not presented enough evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Despite the denials, the penalties rattled Mexico's banking sector. In July, Mexico's government temporarily shifted the trust businesses of CIBanco and Intercam to state-owned development banks to protect clients while regulatory reviews continue.