Drug Cartels

Intoxicating substances, from alcohol to narcotics to synthetic marijuana, come from all over the world—chemicals manufactured in China, plants grown in Afghanistan, or home-brewed stimulants from clandestine labs in the United States.

The vast majority of drugs are consumed by Americans—both illicit and prescription substances—but most of these drugs are not made in the United States. In fact, drug cartels based in Central and South America are responsible for bringing illegal drugs across the border and into the US. This page will cover the 5 most famous and powerful drug cartels in the world.

A coordinated law enforcement operation has dealt a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Authorities have arrested 25 suspected members of a drug-trafficking network linked to the cartel and seized millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. The operation, led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), targeted a network operating out of the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico. The group is allegedly connected to “Los Rusos,” a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Over 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers participated in the operation, executing 15 search warrants across California, Arizona, and Nevada. The seized drugs, including over 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine, have an estimated street value of approximately $72 million. The arrests and seizures highlight the ongoing battle against the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been plagued by internal conflict between “Los Chapitos,” the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and “Los Rusos.” Both factions are vying for control of drug trafficking routes and profits. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the devastating impact of these drugs on communities: “This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. We are committed to dismantling these dangerous operations and ensuring that those who fuel the crisis are held accountable.” Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies: “By working together, we can disrupt and dismantle these transnational networks that plague our communities and tear families apart.” The operation underscores the ongoing challenge of combating the Sinaloa Cartel’s influence and its ability to smuggle drugs into the U.S. 11 November 2024

On October 30, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brian Jesus Zazueta, age 23, of Sunnyside, Washington, to 160 months in federal prison on drug trafficking charges. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Zazueta was working as a mid-level manager for a drug trafficking organization out of Mexico that was responsible for distributing drugs in Spokane and across Eastern Washington. Zazueta is the son of Adolfo Zazueta-Bueno, a significant member of the Sinaloa cartel. Zazueta-Bueno was a previous resident of the Tri-Cities area, but now resides in Sinaloa, Mexico where he runs his drug trafficking organization.  Zazeuta was operating as his father’s eyes and ears in the United States; he is a U.S. Citizen and could travel freely to and from Mexico.  Judge Rice found that Zazueta is a leader and organizer for his father’s operation and sentenced him accordingly. On March 9, 2023, the DEA and the Spokane Police Department executed a federal search warrant on a stash house in Kennewick, Washington. Zazueta was in the apartment along with more than 42,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and heroin. Additionally, DEA found $6,000 in cash, receipts showing money transfers to Sinaloa, Mexico, drug scales, and ledgers with information about drug transactions. “By targeting drug trafficking organizations, we disrupt the supply of deadly drugs that are causing harm in our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Mr. Zazueta was responsible for an organization distributing a large amount of illegal narcotics. Thanks to the excellent work by DEA, the Spokane Police Department, and federal prosecutors, Mr. Zazueta is headed to federal prison, and as a result, our communities are safer and stronger.”    “Mr. Zazueta sowed the seeds of despair in Eastern Washington while he reaped the profits of his methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin distribution,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “Thanks to the DEA, Spokane Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Zazueta learned that these actions had consequences and the sentence in this case should make others pause before selling drugs that harm our communities.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard. 31 October 2024 DEA