Overview

• The indictment in the Southern District of Illinois alleges hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine were trafficked into southern Illinois, with proceeds funneled back to Mexico.
• U.S. authorities say the charges stem from activity between January 2020 and July 2025 and target high‑ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel.
• Officials reported 15 defendants have been arrested, with others still at large, and identified several accused operatives by name.
• Investigators say they intercepted more than 400 kilograms of fentanyl, along with 80 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of cocaine, during the probe.
• The Justice Department publicized the case on X, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi saying the cartel finances terrorism against Americans and tying the action to the administration’s Take Back America effort.