DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
132 Results - Showing 1 to 10
PRESS RELEASE

Three Charged in Fentanyl/Heroin Packaging Operation in the Bronx: Over 13 Pounds of Illicit Drug Mixtures Seized

As part of an ongoing investigation into fentanyl/heroin trafficking in New York City, federal, state and local law enforcement officers recovered over 13 pounds of drug mixtures, including fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, methamphetamine, and cocaine, from inside a packaging mill. The drugs are estimated to carry a street value of over...
PRESS RELEASE

Final Defendant Arrested in 41-Person Drug Trafficking Scheme Enters Guilty Plea

SEATTLE, Wash. – The final defendant of 41 arrested in an extensive drug trafficking investigation, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm. Kendle Rashen Hawkins, 34, of Goodyear, Arizona, will be sentenced by U.S. District...
PRESS RELEASE

First of Six-Member Drug Trafficking Ring Bringing Hundreds of Pounds of Narcotics to Western Washington Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Prison

SEATTLE, Wash. –The first of six defendants tied to a significant drug trafficking ring that used recreational vehicles to transport massive quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine and heroin was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 102 months in prison. Ernesto Casillas, 48, has been in custody...
PRESS RELEASE

Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Wiring Drug-Trafficking Profits to Mexico

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The owner of an Olathe, Kansas, business pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a money-laundering conspiracy to transfer the proceeds of heroin and methamphetamine trafficking to Mexico. A Kansas City, Mo., woman also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy...
PRESS RELEASE

Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Selling Fentanyl-Laced Heroin

CHICAGO — Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division, and Morris Pasqual, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois announced that a suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced heroin. Calvin Carter...
PRESS RELEASE

Operation Overdrive in Tampa Leads to Dozens of Arrests and Significant Drug Seizures

TAMPA – Today, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-led joint task force, designed to bring justice to Tampa’s most violent drug traffickers, announced the results of a 5-month, concentrated law enforcement effort. Deanne Reuter, the DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC), and Roger Handberg, United States Attorney (USA)...
PRESS RELEASE

Bellingham, Washington, Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Dealing Fentanyl While Carrying Firearms

SEATTLE– A 42-year-old Bellingham, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to eight years in prison for drug distribution and illegal firearms possession announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Adam Wisniewski is the fifth and final defendant to be sentenced in a case involving fentanyl distribution...
PRESS RELEASE

Former Guinea-Bissau President’s Son Sent to U.S. prison for International Drug Trafficking

HOUSTON – The leader of a transnational drug trafficking organization has been imprisoned for his involvement in an international heroin trafficking conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Malam Bacai Sanha Jr., 52, pleaded guilty Sept. 6...
PRESS RELEASE

Member of Skagit and Whatcom Drug Distribution Ring Sentenced to Prison

SEATTLE, Wash. – A 38-year-old resident of Maple Falls, Washington was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jesse Witteveen was arrested November 1, 2022, when he fled at high...
PRESS RELEASE

Drug Trafficker Who Created Fortified Compound at Bellingham Homeless Encampment Pleads Guilty

SEATTLE, Wash. – A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty today to drug trafficking and firearms charges related to his distribution of narcotics at a Bellingham homeless encampment, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Rigoberto Vasquez-Martinez has been in federal custody since he was arrested on August 29, 2023, following...