LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Federal agents said a major drug bust in Kentucky and neighboring states is tied to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world's most powerful drug trafficking organizations.
Officials with the Louisville division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said 14 people were arrested in Kentucky as part of an ongoing investigation. In total, 51 people were arrested across Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia on drug trafficking charges.
Agents confiscated more than 50 kilograms of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as marijuana, 133 firearms, nearly 9,000 counterfeit pills and more than $78,000 in cash. Investigators released photos of some of the drugs, weapons and money seized.
One man was arrested in Louisville, though the DEA hasn't released the names of any of the suspects.
DEA Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott said the potency of drugs being seized is alarming.
"Methamphetamine is probably at the highest purity that we've seen," Scott said. "It's the methamphetamine that we see is often 95% and higher in purity. THC and marijuana that we're seeing on the street is probably the highest potency that we've ever seen it."
Scott added fentanyl poses the greatest threat.
"We've seized over 50 kg of drugs in that range from cocaine to methamphetamine to fentanyl, and what's really alarming is the fentanyl," he said. "Obviously, that's what's killing Americans every day."
According to the DEA, the Sinaloa Cartel is not only a major producer and trafficker of fentanyl and other drugs but is also involved in money laundering, weapons trafficking and prostitution.
Top Stories:
New Albany business owner charged with conspiracy to commit murder after police raids
UofL unveils $90 million classroom, research building for its Speed School
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear goes national with podcast, the hot format for aspiring politicians
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
