New fentanyl targeting operation already has stopped 900 pounds from entering US: DHS

The Department of Homeland Security says its new fentanyl targeting operation has already seized 900 pounds of the drug in its first week. "Operation Blue Lotus," a targeted operation that involves more stops and the use of advanced technology along the border, started on March 13. The operation has led to 18 seizures, 16 federal arrests and two state arrests, according to DHS. Those seizures prevented over 900 pounds of fentanyl, 700 pounds of methamphetamines and 100 pounds of cocaine from entering the United States through last Sunday. PHOTO: Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas speaks at the DHS 20th Anniversary Ceremony in Washington, Mar. 1, 2023. Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas speaks at the DHS 20th Anniversary Ceremony in Washington, Mar. 1, 2023. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images "Operation Blue Lotus is a DHS-led, coordinated surge effort to curtail the flow of illicit fentanyl smuggled into the United States from Mexico and bring to justice the dangerous criminal organizations profiting from the illegal production, distribution, and sale of this dangerous substance," DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said after meeting with CBP agents along the border on Tuesday. MORE: What to know about the drug xylazine and why it's making fentanyl worse As part of the operation, additional Homeland Security Investigations agents were deployed and CBP’s Forward Operating Labs at Points of Entry conduct "real-time analysis of unknown substances." Fentanyl has killed on average 100,000 Americans each year, according to the Center for Disease Control. PHOTO: Vehicles enter the San Ysidro Port of Entry border checkpoint at the U.S. - Mexico border, Feb. 19, 2021, in San Diego, Calif. Vehicles enter the San Ysidro Port of Entry border checkpoint at the U.S. - Mexico border, Feb. 19, 2021, in San Diego, Calif. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images Mayorkas has been in the hot seat from congressional Republicans about how the administration has handled the border, with several lawmakers repeatedly saying they want to impeach him over the issue. He is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week. For more information, visit us at https://beverlyhillsim.wpengine.com/.