DEA Border Drug Seizures Surge in 2025 Crackdown

According to Rehab.com’s U.S. Drug Use Statistics report, the number of DEA border drug seizures has been on the rise since late 2023. Most of the interdictions at the border have involved methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine. 

But 2025 has been a particularly successful year on this front, according to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. She asserts that the efforts of the DEA, in coordination with other federal, state and local agencies have led to a disruption and dismantling of drug trafficking networks across the U.S.

“Our DEA agents are doing historic work to keep our communities safe from deadly drugs like fentanyl and dismantle the cartels selling them,” said Bondi. “I want to remind all Americans to exercise extreme caution: a pill can kill.”

Major Drug Busts at the Border and Beyond

Robert Murphy, the DEA’s Acting Administrator, emphasized the impact of DEA interdictions on drug trafficking, especially at the northern and southern borders.

“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,” Murphy said. “We are not slowing down. We are dismantling these networks piece by piece—and we won’t stop until the last brick of their empire falls.” 

The DEA continues to intercept illicit drugs and stop traffickers, with over 2,105 fentanyl related arrests this year. Just over the last few weeks, the DEA conducted the following operations to seize drugs near the U.S. border:

• El Paso, Texas: With the help of the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the DEA seized 115 pounds of methamphetamine from a GPS tracked vehicle loaded with drugs. 
• Galveston, Texas: The DEA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked together to seize over 1,700 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a vehicle. These drugs were worth over $15 million.

The DEA’s efforts have also contributed to multiple trafficker arrests across the U.S., including:

• Lexington County, South Carolina: One trafficker was arrested in connection with the possession of over 156 pounds of fentanyl, 44 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm.
• Kern County, California: Five traffickers running a methamphetamine conversion lab were arrested. The DEA and its local partners seized over 250 pounds of crystal meth and 151 gallons of liquid meth.
• Gainesville, Georgia: Two traffickers were arrested in a drug bust with 705 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a cucumber truck. 
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Three traffickers were connected to 889 pounds of methamphetamine and a handgun.

The DEA remains on the frontlines, protecting communities and saving lives nationwide.

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