DEA Announces Multiple Drug Enforcement Actions and Arrests

DEA Press Releases

Filed March 17th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The DEA has announced multiple drug enforcement actions and arrests across various field divisions, including significant seizures of illicit funds and convictions for drug trafficking and money laundering. These actions highlight ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations and dismantle drug distribution networks.

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What changed

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has released a series of press releases detailing significant enforcement actions and arrests across the United States. These actions include the seizure of over $14.9 million linked to an international drug money laundering scheme in Detroit, the sentencing of a high-ranking methamphetamine distributor in Dallas, and the apprehension and charging of a DEA Most Wanted fugitive involved in cocaine trafficking and money laundering. Additionally, several individuals have been sentenced for drug trafficking offenses, including methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, with sentences ranging up to 40 years.

These enforcement actions underscore the DEA's continued focus on dismantling drug trafficking organizations and prosecuting individuals involved in the illicit drug trade and associated financial crimes. Regulated entities, particularly those in financial services, should be aware of the ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and the severe penalties associated with drug trafficking. While no specific compliance deadlines are mentioned for regulated entities, these actions highlight the importance of robust anti-money laundering programs and vigilance against drug-related illicit finance.

What to do next

Review recent DEA enforcement actions for potential industry-wide trends.
Ensure AML/KYC procedures are robust to detect and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Stay informed about evolving drug trafficking methods and associated financial crimes.

Penalties

Sentences include up to 40 years in federal prison. Civil forfeiture actions aim to seize illicit funds, such as the $14.9 million seized in the Detroit case.

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Press Releases

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13946 Results - Showing 1 to 10 PRESS RELEASE

DEA Detroit Field Division Investigation Leads to Seizure of $14.9 Million from Cartel-Linked Money Laundering Operation

DETROIT – On Friday, the Department of Justice unsealed a civil case aiming to forfeit over $14.9 million seized from an international drug money laundering scheme, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. The lawsuit—originally filed in 2024—details the seizure of the funds and alleges a complex pattern of... PRESS RELEASE

Prosecution is Part of Homeland Security Task Force Effort to Combat Transnational Criminal Organizations

DALLAS, TX - An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for his top leadership role in distributing methamphetamine in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In October 2024, Raymundo Bernal Saucedo (“Bernal”), 33, pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine... PRESS RELEASE

DEA Most Wanted Fugitive Arrives in the United States to Face Charges of Laundering Drug Proceeds

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, 34, an alleged cocaine trafficker from Uruguay, made his initial appearance in federal court today on charges relating to his alleged role in a money laundering conspiracy. Marset was added to the DEA’s Most Wanted Fugitive List in May 2025. Court documents alleged... PRESS RELEASE

Tallahassee Man Receives 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Paul Anthony Hart, 42, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, consecutive to an existing Georgia sentence for trafficking in cocaine. “Trafficking methamphetamine in the Pan Handle continues to be an all too frequent occurrence,”... PRESS RELEASE

California Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution Conspiracy in the Northern District of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Manuel Alejandro Palomino Amador, 33, of San Diego, Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks... PRESS RELEASE

Union County Man Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Dezmond Tobias Tucker, 31, of Union, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in October of 2023, investigators with the Union Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration caught Tucker selling fentanyl... PRESS RELEASE

Thirteen Members of a Prison-Based Meth Distribution Ring Sentenced

ROME, Ga. – Thirteen members of a prison-based methamphetamine distribution ring have been convicted and sentenced. Before they were identified by federal agents, state inmates Edward Kelvin Pope, David Wilson, and Kevin Josue Campos Rivera coordinated with Jose Santos Isaola Cisneros, a federal inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in... PRESS RELEASE

Prolific Fentanyl Dealer with Alleged Cartel Ties Faces Federal Charges

Atlanta – Kevin Martinez appeared in federal court earlier today on charges related to his alleged distribution of significant quantities of fentanyl in the metro-Atlanta area. Martinez allegedly operated under the direction of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel. “Martinez allegedly worked on behalf of a terrorist drug cartel... PRESS RELEASE

Illegal Alien Faces Federal Charges for Distributing Kilograms of Purple Fentanyl

ATLANTA – Martin Armando Gonzalez-Martinez, an illegal alien working directly with Mexico-based drug traffickers, appeared in federal court on charges related to his distribution of purple fentanyl in the Atlanta area. “Fentanyl is so extremely dangerous that just a couple milligrams can be lethal,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg... PRESS RELEASE

Two Defendants Involved in Pharmacy Burglary Ring Across Multiple States Are Sentenced to Serve a Combined Time of More Than 25 Years in Federal Prison

LITTLE ROCK—Antoinen Dion Hampton and Reginald Tremayne Jackson, both of Houston, Texas, will spend a combined time of 308 months in federal prison for their role in a criminal organization that was responsible for dozens of pharmacy burglaries and stolen controlled substances worth millions of dollars. Jonathan D. Ross, United...