Federal authorities have intercepted what they describe as the largest-ever shipment of methamphetamine precursor chemicals headed to the Sinaloa cartel, stopping more than 700,000 pounds of illicit substances from reaching Mexico.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, announced the seizure Wednesday in Pasadena, Texas. Officials said the chemicals were loaded in Shanghai and bound for Mexico when they were intercepted on the high seas.
Massive Bust Valued at Over $569 Million
According to investigators, the shipment contained 1,300 barrels holding 363,000 pounds of benzyl alcohol and 334,000 pounds of N-Methylformamide—chemicals that could have produced 420,000 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of at least $569 million.
“Had these precursors made it to their destination, they would have created hundreds of thousands of pounds of methamphetamine, with profits of over half a billion dollars,” said ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons. “That would mean more American deaths, not just in Houston but nationwide.”
Targeting Supply Lines
Authorities emphasized that the operation reflects a shift in strategy—cutting off drug cartels’ supply chains before the chemicals ever reach their labs.
Pirro also tied the case to a broader geopolitical struggle, alleging that China continues to funnel chemicals for synthetic drugs into Mexico. “Tons of chemicals that are used to create synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl are shipped from China to Mexico in China’s undeclared war against America,” she said.
Blow to the Sinaloa Cartel
The intercepted shipment was destined for the Sinaloa cartel, which U.S. officials say remains one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world. Pirro noted the bust would significantly disrupt cartel operations, though she acknowledged they would likely attempt to rebuild their supply chain.
Officials did not disclose the exact location of the maritime seizure but confirmed the barrels were hidden in shipping containers aboard two vessels.
