Fentanyl Seizure Leads to Arrests of Three, Including U.S. Citizen, in Mexico

Mexican authorities announced the arrest of three individuals, including an American citizen and a dual national, on Saturday. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 110,000 fentanyl pills.

The arrests were a collaborative effort involving the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, the Attorney General's Office, and other federal agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also participated in the binational operation. Intelligence gathered by both the U.S. and Mexico enabled security agents to conduct surveillance, ultimately leading them to the suspects.

Security agents identified the three individuals traveling in a vehicle in Ciudad Juárez. Upon noticing the authorities, the suspects attempted to flee. Following a brief pursuit, the vehicle was stopped. Inside, agents discovered the fentanyl pills, which were packaged in ten clear plastic bundles. Authorities also recovered four identification documents and three cell phones.

The three individuals were taken into custody and turned over to the Public Prosecutor's Office. The seized fentanyl pills were also secured by law enforcement. The identities of the suspects have not been released. The woman is confirmed to be an American citizen. One of the men is a dual national, holding both Mexican and American citizenship, and is wanted in the U.S. on drug-related charges.

Authorities stated that the arrests will contribute to the effort to combat the trafficking of illicit substances and prevent drugs from reaching young people.

Combating illegal drug distribution is a key priority for Mexico's current administration. In recent months, Mexican authorities have reported several significant fentanyl seizures, including a 2024 seizure that officials have described as the largest in the country's history.