US Department of Justice Reports DEA and FBI Seized Over $10 Million in Crypto Assets from Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Miami, During Large-Scale Sweep Operation.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and FBI have recorded a significant success in the fight against drug crime by seizing over $10 million in crypto assets from Mexico's notorious Sinaloa cartel. The new quarterly report from the US Department of Justice confirms these funds were seized in Miami, Florida, as part of a large-scale sweep operation spanning from California, Texas, and Georgia to many other areas.
Although the report does not specify the exact type of crypto asset seized, this seizure demonstrates an increase in digital assets being used by criminal organizations for money laundering and value transfer across borders. DEA leadership Robert Murphy declared, "DEA is attacking cartels where it hurts most – through arrests, asset seizures, and continuous pressure".
This operation has achieved impressive results since January 2025, with the seizure of over 44 million fentanyl pills, over 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, and nearly 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine across the United States. The $10 million in crypto assets is just a portion of the total assets seized, indicating the severity of drug criminals' blockchain technology application.
Sinaloa Cartel and Criminal Technology
The Sinaloa Cartel is not only famous for drug trafficking but also a pioneering criminal organization in high-tech application. Last month, the DOJ revealed the group hired hackers to infiltrate phone data systems and surveillance cameras in Mexico City to track and assassinate witnesses cooperating with the FBI, demonstrating sophistication in combining technology with violence.
Cartels' use of crypto has long attracted attention. Tether, the USDT issuer, was previously accused of connections to drug money laundering. However, Tether representatives assured Decrypt in November that "unlike fiat currency, Tether can track every transaction and freeze USDT whenever used for illegal purposes".
Binance also acknowledged challenges in preventing crime. The exchange's spokesperson shared, "Despite our best efforts, like any company, we cannot always prevent bad actions before they occur".
In May, several cartel leaders were prosecuted for drug terrorism after discovering crypto usage to operate and legalize cash flows. Blockchain investigators traced drug money through multiple crypto wallets, clarifying how cartels use crypto assets as effective money laundering tools.
