The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported Operation Blue Lotus seized more than 4,000 pounds of fentanyl in its first month.
Operation Blue Lotus is part of the Biden administration's efforts to combat the trafficking of synthetic narcotics, according to an April 14 news release. More than 4,000 pounds of fentanyl have been detained in Operation Blue Lotus' first month at ports of entry, where more than 90% of fentanyl is transported in cars and trucks. Additionally, Operation Four Horsemen stopped more than 800 pounds in its first month.
“These operations, which have together stopped over 5,000 lbs of fentanyl in their first month, are another example of how the dedicated personnel of DHS are taking on the cartels and protecting our homeland,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in the release. “We are matching the unprecedented challenge of fentanyl with unprecedented solutions and leveraging the full weight of this department to do so.”
This recent report was a significant contribution to a larger government-wide effort to save lives, pursue justice and hold people accountable. Operation Blue Lotus is a coordinated surge operation between Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to the release
Operation Blue Lotus, which was first introduced March 13, is a prime example of the Biden administration's multi-pronged approach. It involves a rise in the number of targeted inspections carried out by HSI Agents and CBP Officers, canine units and modern technology at places along the border, the release said.
The targeting of drug traffickers and their networks to develop criminal cases against international criminal organizations is improved by the intelligence obtained through Operation Blue Lotus, the release reported. Operation Four Horsemen is a supplemental initiative the U.S. Border Patrol started March 6.
“CBP and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast against the threat of fentanyl and have surged additional personnel, technology and resources along the southwest border to detect and seize this dangerous drug at and between the ports of entry," CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller said in the release. "Drug traffickers are constantly seeking innovative and unique ways to flood American communities with their deadly concoctions. We are fully committed to taking action against those producing this deadly poison and bringing them to justice.”
DHS is dedicated to relentlessly combating drug trafficking and protecting the country from harm caused by cartels, according to the release. As evidenced by the success of Operation Blue Lotus, the department is committed to continuing its efforts to keep deadly narcotics like fentanyl out of American communities and bring those responsible for producing and distributing them to justice.
