DEA Seizes $10 Million in Cryptocurrency from Sinaloa Cartel

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have made a significant dent in the operations of the Sinaloa cartel by seizing over $10 million in cryptocurrency during coordinated raids in Miami, Florida. This operation is part of a broader nationwide crackdown that has resulted in the confiscation of a staggering amount of illicit substances, including 44 million fentanyl pills, 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, nearly 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine, and more than 201,500 pounds of cocaine since January 2025.

DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy emphasized the agency's relentless pursuit of the cartels, stating, “DEA is hitting the cartels where it hurts — with arrests, with seizures, and with relentless pressure. We are dismantling these networks piece by piece — and we won’t stop until the last brick of their empire falls.” The Sinaloa cartel, one of six Mexican drug trafficking organizations designated as global “terrorist” groups by the US government, is primarily involved in the distribution of various illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis, and MDMA (ecstasy).

The seizure of cryptocurrency highlights the evolving tactics used by criminal organizations to launder money and evade detection. The Sinaloa cartel, known for its sophisticated methods, has adapted to the digital age by utilizing cryptocurrencies to move funds across borders without detection. This operation demonstrates the capability of law enforcement to trace and seize these digital assets, despite the challenges posed by their decentralized nature.

The coordinated efforts between the DEA and the FBI reflect a strategic approach to combating drug trafficking and financial crimes. By targeting both the physical assets and the digital financial networks of the cartel, law enforcement agencies are applying relentless pressure on the organization. This multi-faceted approach is crucial in disrupting the cartel's operations and preventing the distribution of dangerous substances.

The success of this operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime. The seizure of $10 million in cryptocurrency, along with the massive quantities of drugs, represents a significant setback for the Sinaloa cartel. As law enforcement continues to adapt to new challenges, such as the use of cryptocurrencies in money laundering, the fight against these criminal organizations remains a top priority.

Recent raids across the US have further highlighted the extensive efforts of law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking networks. In Lexington County, South Carolina, agents seized 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine, along with a firearm, and arrested a trafficker. In California’s Kern County, a methamphetamine conversion lab was dismantled, with agents confiscating over 240 pounds of crystal meth and 151 gallons of liquid meth. Georgia officials intercepted over 700 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a truckload of cucumbers, and Texas law enforcement uncovered 1,700 pounds of methamphetamine worth over $15 million hidden inside a vehicle.

These raids coincide with ongoing legal battles against key figures within the cartel, including Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who recently pleaded guilty to drug charges in Chicago. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our DEA agents are doing historic work to keep our communities safe from deadly drugs like fentanyl and dismantle the cartels selling them. I want to remind all Americans to exercise extreme caution: a pill can kill.”