Mexico seizes meth in a large-scale operation targeting cartel-run drug labs in Sinaloa, confiscating 440 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $40 million. Authorities also seized more than 3,170 gallons of chemical precursors used to manufacture the powerful stimulant.
This latest drug bust comes as Mexican officials face growing pressure from the United States, particularly from President Trump, who has cited drug smuggling as a key reason for potential tariffs on Mexican goods.
Mexican authorities have increased enforcement efforts in recent weeks, leading to a series of high-profile drug seizures. Since February 5, when Mexico deployed 10,000 additional soldiers to its shared border with the U.S., authorities have intercepted 4.9 tons of methamphetamine, 453 kilograms of cocaine, 55 kilograms of fentanyl, and 489 firearms.
These efforts follow a record-breaking fentanyl bust in December, when officials confiscated over one million pills of the synthetic opioid. Last month, authorities also discovered 18 kilograms of fentanyl concealed inside a bus.
Fentanyl, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, has contributed to tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. American officials argue that Mexican cartels play a central role in the fentanyl trade, acting as a primary transit hub for the synthetic opioid and its precursor chemicals, most of which originate from China.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified the Sinaloa Cartel as one of the dominant forces in fentanyl distribution, accusing it of controlling supply chains and operating clandestine production labs. Despite these claims, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted that there is no concrete evidence proving fentanyl is being manufactured in Mexico.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated as the U.S. considers classifying Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. In response, Sheinbaum has warned that Mexico could expand its legal actions against U.S. gun manufacturers, arguing that they contribute to cartel violence by supplying firearms to criminal groups. She suggested that if the U.S. moves forward with the designation, gunmakers could be held legally responsible for complicity in cartel operations.
As pressure from Washington increases, Mexico’s recent meth seizure appears to be part of an effort to demonstrate its commitment to fighting drug trafficking. However, disagreements over fentanyl production, border security, and trade policies continue to strain relations between the two governments.
18 February 2025
