As calls for the Biden administration to take proper control of the border continue, authorities in Mexico have made a record-breaking seizure of highly lethal fentanyl worth $230 million before it was trafficked across to the United States.
Mexican authorities have branded the find “historic” claim it is the largest ever fentanyl bust in the country’s history.
In the raid which took place last Thursday, cops seized over half a ton of the illicit substance which was being mass produced in a warehouse in Sinaloa.
Fentanyl is a highly toxic drug and is responsible for more overdoses per use than any other illicit substance. It is reportedly 100 times more potent than morphine and simply accidentally breathing in particles of the lethal powder can result in a fatal overdose.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the Mexican military and national guard stormed the drugs den which was being run by “members of organized crime” earlier this month. In addition to the fentanyl, the team also found half a ton of meth and smaller amounts of cocaine, opium gum, heroin and around 70 tons of chemicals used to make drugs.
“This is the largest seizure in history of this lethal drug,” said Assistant Public Safety Secretary Ricardo Mejia before adding that the haul would likely have had a street value of around $230 million.
Authorities say the drugs in the warehouse were probably being produced by “transnational crime organizations” with a view to taking them across the border to sell in the United States.
Fentanyl use is on the rise across the US and the US Drug Enforcement Agency said Mexican gangs are now stepping up its production as demand increases across the border.
The drug production and dealing cartels based in Mexico are likely the “primary trafficking groups responsible for smuggling fentanyl into the United States from Mexico,” according to the DEA.
Fentanyl overdoses are now rife across many US states, and it is the culprit behind the majority of lethal drug overdoses in the nation. In 2021, America recorded a record 107,622 deaths by overdose, and of those a disproportionate 71,238 were related to fentanyl.
Many young people have died from accidental overdoses relating to the lethal substance as it is often sold in pills which resemble other drugs such as Xanax.
Over the last three years, federal agents say they have seen a terrifying 4,000 percent increase in fentanyl seizures over the past three years. While patrols work tirelessly to nab traffickers, chief Border Patrol agent Gloria Chavez said the criminals will always find a way to cross:
“Cartels are very creative. They find ways to intimidate migrants and find ways to illegally have them transport that narcotic into the United States,” she said.
“For the first time, we’re starting to see these tactics where fentanyl is being smuggled between ports of entry.”
Meanwhile, open border advocate, President Biden has come under fire for not doing more to prevent the trafficking of dangerous drugs into America.
With fentanyl overdoses continually on the rise nationwide, it is clear more needs to be done to keep Americans safe and drug-free. That means better, stricter and more effective controls on the Mexican border.
This story syndicated with permission from For the Love of News