New York police were successfully able to indict a man suspected of being a Mexican drug kingpin who is partly responsible for a trafficking enough fentanyl to potentially kill ten million people. Authorities are confident that the arrest of Francisco Quiroz-Zamora will give them a better understanding of how the Sinaloa cartel moves their illegal substances from Mexico into the United States.
Quiroz-Zamora, who is also known as "Gordo," or the Fat One, has been charged with operating a major drug trafficking scheme, alongside first-degree sale of a controlled substance and second-degree conspiracy. He and five others will be arraigned in a New York court this upcoming Thursday.
Officials working with New York's Special Narcotics Prosecutor were able to retrieve nearly 44 pounds of fentanyl before it became distributed amongst the various drug circles throughout America. The opioid has a potential to kill after only consuming a few minuscule grains.
Fentanyl has become quite lucrative for drug traffickers and dealers alike, as it is a cheaper alternative to traditional ingredients found in narcotics like heroin, as well as prescription medication such as OxyContin and Xanax.
Quiroz-Zamora was apparently very involved in making sure this supply made it to its final destination. He also had a hand in setting up a pipeline that would allow drugs to be transported from Mexico to both Arizona and California via automobile.
In addition, Mexican cartel are keen on making New York their distribution headquarters, with fentanyl being their main product.