United States Drug Enforcement Administration

DENVER– Last week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced the results of a year-long national initiative, “Operation Last Mile,” which targeted operatives, associates, and distributors affiliated with the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels.  Specifically, the operation targeted those in our communities responsible for the last mile of fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, both on our streets and on social media.

Nationally Operation Last Mile identified 1,436 investigations conducted between May 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023, in collaboration with local, state and federal law enforcement partners.  This resulted in 3,337 arrests, the seizure of nearly 44 million fentanyl pills, more than 6,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, more than 91,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 8,497 firearms, and more than $100 million. These fentanyl seizures equate to nearly 193 million deadly doses of fentanyl removed from communities across the United States.  More than 1,100 cases involved social media applications and encrypted communications platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Wire, and Wickr.

“The Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels use multi-city distribution networks, violent local street gangs, and individual dealers across the United States to flood American communities with fentanyl and methamphetamine, drive addiction, fuel violence, and kill Americans,” said Administrator Milgram.  “What is also alarming—American social media platforms are the means by which they do so.  The Cartels use social media and encrypted platforms to run their operations and reach out to victims, and when their product kills Americans, they simply move on to try to victimize the millions of other Americans who are social media users.”

During Operation Last Mile, the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division removed more than 375,000 fentanyl pills and 25 pounds of fentanyl powder from its communities. This equates to more than 865,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl no longer available to harm our communities. Of the 72 investigations, 60 are tied to the Sinaloa Cartel and 12 to the Jalisco Cartel. In addition, the RMFD seized 126 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 100 guns, recovered $1.8 million in assets and made 65 arrests. 17 of the Rocky Mountain Field Division’s cases involved a social media platform and 25 cases were tied to an encrypted communications platform. 

Cartels often build relationships with violent local street gangs, criminal organizations and individuals to facilitate the final steps of drug transactions. These local ties are what helps the cartels flood communities with fentanyl and methamphetamine. 

“Over the last year, the Rocky Mountain Field Division was able to tie 72 cases to the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels.  These cartels thrive as a result of their relationships with local and regional distribution networks, oftentimes which are gang related. Operation Last Mile focused on those networks most responsible for the trafficking of drugs and violence here at home,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky.  “In one example, we investigated a violent street gang and apprehended the ringleader and his associates responsible for the related drug trafficking activity. Disrupting the work of these local organizations is what will ultimately make our communities safer and healthier.  We value the support of our local, state, and federal partners who make this important work possible.”

The Rocky Mountain Field Division covers the four states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Montana.  With approximately 202 employees, including Special Agents, Intel Analysts, Diversion Investigators, and support staff, the DEA relies heavily upon its partnerships with state, local, and federal authorities to advance its mission.  The Rocky Mountain Field Division has approximately 136 Task Force Officers who work collaboratively with DEA personnel across the region.

Operation Last Mile is an example of DEA’s network-based approach to take out Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartel members and associates in the United States and across the globe, stop fentanyl, and save American lives.  In April 2023, the DEA and our federal partners announced the indictment of 28 members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel operating in Mexico, China, and Central America, including the leaders of the Cartel known as the “Chapitos.” 

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