In a sweeping operation targeting organized drug trafficking, U.S. federal agents have seized over $10 million in cryptocurrency tied to the Sinaloa cartel, striking at the group’s financial infrastructure through a coordinated crackdown that stretches across multiple states.
The operation, led by the DEA and FBI, forms part of a broader effort that has already taken millions of fentanyl pills and tens of thousands of pounds of meth, cocaine, and heroin off the streets in 2025. Acting DEA Administrator Robert Murphy said the agency is systematically dismantling cartel operations across the country.
Raids in South Carolina, California, Georgia, and Texas uncovered meth hidden in produce shipments, dismantled conversion labs, and intercepted bulk narcotics. The arrests and seizures follow renewed pressure on high-profile cartel members, including Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of “El Chapo,” who recently pleaded guilty in U.S. court.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the campaign “historic,” warning Americans about the lethal risks of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.
Meanwhile, blockchain data reveals how drug syndicates are adapting. Elliptic, a UK-based analytics firm, reports that crypto laundering via crosschain swaps has exploded to $21.8 billion this year. These complex tactics are becoming central to masking illicit funds, with North Korean entities accounting for a sizable portion of the flow.
Alexander Zdravkov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alexander Zdravkov is a person who always looks for the logic behind things. He is fluent in German and has more than 3 years of experience in the crypto space, where he skillfully identifies new trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or daily reports on all topics, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does make him a valuable member of the team.
Source: https://coindoo.com/dea-disrupts-cartel-drug-empire-with-crypto-bust-and-record-raids/