Enough Fentanyl to Kill 240,000: Massive Crime Ring Busted in Texas

Texas authorities have recently busted a massive violent drug trafficking ring with nearly 80 arrests, hundreds of firearms, and 50 pounds of illegal narcotics.

This was a part of a 2-month operation that recently occurred in Fort Worth, TX. It's also stated that this may be one of the "largest and swiftest crackdowns on violent crime ever" that occurred in Tarrant County, according to NBC DFW.

What Was Operation Shutdown in Texas?

Authorities called this "Operation Shutdown," and it was successful thanks to an undercover effort from agencies like the DEA, Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, and other state and federal partners.

NBC DFW recently revealed the massive haul, detailing the specifics of the arrest and just what exactly was seized:

Of the 76 arrests, many were violent felons with prior convictions, and some were even believed to be in the country illegally with ties to a Venezuelan gang.

What Exactly Was Seized During Operation Showdown in Texas?

According to NBC DFW, of the 280 firearms that were seized, 147 were illegal "machine gun conversion devices." The 22 kg of narcotics included cocaine, meth, heroin, and fentanyl. The DEA reportedly noted that there was enough fentanyl alone to kill 240,000 people.

Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson stated her pride for the state and federal officers who took part in Operation Showdown:

The removal of 76 gun and drug traffickers from the streets will have a lasting impact on this city. They are no longer out there ped[dl]ing their guns and their drugs, which would have led to more and more crime.

Texas law enforcement is always quick to inform citizens that violent crimes like these will always be treated with severity and speed. Drug trafficking and gun smuggling are never permitted within the state and will always be met with the swift clutches of justice.