U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi held a press conference to announce the results of what she described as a “historic” drug bust carried out in New Mexico as part of a large-scale federal operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The multi-agency effort resulted in the seizure of millions of fentanyl pills, approximately $4 million in cash, 75 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, and 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder.
Authorities also confiscated 41 firearms—including modified weapons and so-called “ghost guns”—as well as seven vehicles connected to the operation.
The bust was part of a broader DEA initiative spanning several states, including New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Arizona.
Bondi praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in executing what she called one of the most significant drug enforcement actions in recent years.
AG BONDI ANNOUNCES MULTIPLE ARRESTS AGAINST ILLEGAL ALIEN CARTEL DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION: “The DEA seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, including three million fentanyl pills. The largest seizure in our nation’s history.” pic.twitter.com/RdppLPMscS
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) May 6, 2025
“This operation dealt a serious blow to the criminal networks flooding our communities with deadly narcotics,” Bondi said. “Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, and today’s action is a step toward turning the tide in that fight.”
Officials indicated that the seized fentanyl pills alone were enough to potentially kill millions of people, highlighting the extreme danger posed by the synthetic opioid trade.
Many of the weapons found during the operation were illegal modifications or untraceable firearms, underscoring the violent nature of the criminal enterprises involved.
Pam Bondi emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and that further arrests and charges are expected. She reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations and holding those responsible accountable.
“This is a clear message to cartels and drug traffickers: we will find you, and we will shut you down,” she said.
The DEA and Pam Bondi have not yet released the names of any individuals arrested or charged in connection with the drug bust in New Mexico, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.