Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents reported a notable increase in illicit fentanyl seizures along the US-Mexico border during the 2023 fiscal year, totaling 12,119 kilograms (26,718 pounds), an almost 90% surge compared to the 6,397 kilograms (14,104 pounds) seized in the previous fiscal year.
The spike in seizures, reported by InSight Crime, coincides with the reported cessation of fentanyl production and trafficking by the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in Sinaloa. This decision is attributed to heightened US government efforts to prosecute alleged fentanyl traffickers, particularly Ovidio Guzmán López.
