Is China a key supplier to the Sinaloa Cartel? The U.S. makes a historic seizure.

U.S. authorities made the largest seizure of methamphetamine precursor chemicals in U.S. history , intercepting more than 300,000 kilos destined for clandestine laboratories of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.

This action underscores the persistent relationship between Chinese chemical manufacturers and Mexican criminal organizations. Previous investigations in 2023 and 2024 revealed a pattern of collaboration between Chinese chemical companies and Mexican cartels.

The operation, carried out by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Houston, involved the seizure of 12 containers, which were subsequently transported in 24 trailers to a secure HSI facility.

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The products, originating in China, were allegedly used to produce 190,000 kilos of methamphetamine, with an estimated value of $569 million , before being seized by federal agents.

The operation was carried out under the legal authority provided by the designation of the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

Among the chemicals seized were 164,880 kilograms of benzyl alcohol and 151,560 kilograms of N-methylformamide , both used in the production of methamphetamine. According to authorities, this seizure far exceeded the 78,925 kilograms of methamphetamine seized across the Southwest border during fiscal year 2024.

Investigations have revealed how precursors from China fuel synthetic drug production in Mexico . In April 2023, OFAC sanctioned Wuhan Shuokang Biological Technology Co., Ltd (WSBT) and other entities for supplying fentanyl precursors to laboratories in Mexico.

Subsequently, in October 2024, the Department of Justice charged eight Chinese companies and eight individuals with trafficking in fentanyl precursors and money laundering, highlighting fraudulent shipments to Mexico and the United States and reinforcing the threat posed by these organizations to U.S. public health and safety.