Federal agents have seized more than $10 million in crypto assets linked to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, delivering a significant blow to the cartel’s financial operations in Miami.
The July 2025 crackdown disrupts a key channel for laundering drug profits, marking a decisive shift toward digital-era enforcement. This operation signals a growing federal focus on stopping drug trafficking by cutting off criminal financing, not just relying on traditional law enforcement approaches.
Miami Operation Disrupts Cartel’s Crypto Pipeline
In early July, a coordinated effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI in Miami led to the seizure of more than $10 million in cryptocurrency assets directly connected to the Sinaloa cartel.
Federal agents uncovered complex schemes used by the cartel to launder illicit profits through digital currencies, making financial trails harder to follow and recover.
The Miami crypto seizure came as part of a sweeping, multi-state offensive that included the dismantling of methamphetamine labs, fentanyl trafficking rings, and poly-drug distribution networks. Authorities have seized an estimated 44 million fentanyl pills and 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder since January. In addition, agents have intercepted nearly 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine and over 201,500 pounds of cocaine.
The Justice Department investigation resulted in one of the year’s largest crypto seizures. So far in 2025, US agencies have intercepted increasing amounts of crypto assets tied to international drug operations. Moreover, BeInCrypto recently reported that the US Secret Service has seized nearly $400 million in crypto assets over the past decade amid its fight against crypto fraud.
Beyond seizing assets, officials are focusing on those who enable illegal funds to move across international borders. In March, the Department of the Treasury imposed fresh sanctions against individuals and organizations associated with the Sinaloa cartel.
Sanctions supplement traditional enforcement by freezing assets and cutting off access to the US financial system. In doing so, authorities isolate criminal enterprises and restrict their ability to move illicit funds.
“DEA is hitting the cartels where it hurts—with arrests, with seizures, and with relentless pressure. From meth labs in California to fentanyl pills disguised as pharmaceuticals seized at our border, these operations are saving American lives every single day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy.
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