Former DEA Chief Calls for Aggressive Action Against Cartels

Former Acting Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Derek Maltz has expressed unprecedented concern over the intensifying conflict involving drug cartels, as discussions intensify around using military action against narco-traffickers. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Maltz emphasized that the United States must adopt a more offensive posture in combating drug trafficking, stating, “We have to go after these threats like we’ve never done before.”

Maltz’s remarks follow a recent summit in Doral, Florida, where former President Donald Trump proposed utilizing missiles to target drug cartels. This suggestion aligns with a newly formed coalition of 13 Latin American countries, aimed at tackling illegal immigration and narco-terrorism. Trump declared, “The heart of our agreement is a commitment to using lethal military force to destroy the sinister cartels and terrorist networks.”

The former DEA chief noted that the current approach to drug cartels marks a significant shift in strategy, highlighting the increasing willingness of Latin American nations to collaborate against these organizations. “This administration’s leadership has been unprecedented,” Maltz remarked, underscoring the commitment to fighting against entities that “deal in death.”

Maltz pointed to recent enforcement successes as evidence that the tactics are yielding results. The DEA has reported major drug seizures, including over 628,000 carfentanil pills in California, which is known to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl. He also mentioned the seizure of 2,700 pounds of meth in California and significant amounts in Washington State, attributing these successes to the unified efforts of law enforcement across the country.

The backdrop to these discussions includes a surge in violence linked to cartels, particularly following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in Mexico on February 22, 2023. A soldier was reported guarding a charred vehicle at the site, illustrating the ongoing turbulence in the region.

Maltz conveyed his belief that a united front among nations could change the dynamics of the ongoing battle against drug cartels. He stated, “We’re on track now because we’re using law enforcement domestically to decimate these cartels.” The former DEA administrator’s comments signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need for action and cooperation among nations.

As the landscape of narco-trafficking continues to evolve, the implications of this enhanced strategy could reshape the future of drug enforcement and international cooperation in the Americas.