171 Cartel Members Arrested in New England

Summary

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The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode 171: Cartel Members Arrested in New England
Date: September 5, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson covers a major breaking story: the unprecedented arrest of 171 Sinaloa Cartel members in New England. He discusses the implications for national drug policy, critiques Democratic approaches to law enforcement, and explores the ongoing battle against cartel-driven drug crime. Ferguson weaves national polling, political commentary, and local DEA perspectives to argue that law and order is a top concern for Americans and that President Trump’s approach to fighting crime is resonating across the country. The episode takes a hard stance against what Ferguson calls Democratic complacency on crime, and makes a case for stricter crackdowns on drug cartels nation-wide.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cartel Crackdown in New England

• Surprising Arrest Numbers
  Over 170 Sinaloa Cartel members were arrested in New England, with Connecticut (64), Massachusetts (49), and New Hampshire (33) seeing the highest numbers. Ferguson notes the novelty and seriousness of this happening far from the U.S.–Mexico border.

• Seizure Details
  The DEA confiscated more than 22,000 counterfeit pills, fentanyl powder, and packaging clearly tied to the Sinaloa Cartel, highlighting the reach and danger of these networks.

• DEA Perspective
  Jared Forget, DEA Special Agent in Charge, describes the Sinaloa Cartel as “public enemy number one” for New England. He stresses their reach:

  “Sinaloa cartel in every single state across America, more than 40 countries around the world, and obviously they're in every state throughout New England.”
  (DEA Agent, 08:30)

2. Public & Political Response: Law and Order or Chaos? (03:26–04:48)

• Current Political Debate
  Ferguson frames the national conversation as a choice between "law and order" vs. "anarchy and chaos,” claiming Democrats favor criminals and illegal immigrants. He accuses media and Democratic officials of downplaying cartel influence away from the southern border.

• Polling Data
  Ferguson references a CNN poll showing overwhelming support for Donald Trump's approach to crime compared to Joe Biden.

  “Donald Trump is like [Michael] Jordan towering over Joe Biden when it comes to their handling of crime … Americans are far more hawkish on crime than a lot of Democrats want to admit.”
  (Political Analyst, 04:10)

3. Exposing Cartel Operations and Community Impact (07:34–09:49)

• News Clip & DEA Warnings
  Local news coverage underscores that many Sinaloa Cartel members operate “in plain sight.” DEA agents reveal that distinguishing between real and counterfeit pills is nearly impossible, even for experts.

  “I'm a DEA agent. I cannot tell the difference between a fake one and a real one … remind parents, schools, caregivers, everybody in the community, have those conversations with each other, have them with your kids.”
  (DEA Agent, 09:13)

• Cartel Targeting Tactics
  The cartel uses common social media apps to market counterfeit pills—often targeting young people and students, with deadly consequences.

• Nature of the DEA’s Efforts
  The DEA does not focus on small-time offenders but on entire trafficking networks:

  “We're not going after low level retail drug traffickers. We are going after drug trafficking organizations, the networks.”
  (DEA Agent, 09:42)

• The Scale of the Battle

  “It's an ongoing battle, one that we cannot, we can't afford to give up. The Sinaloa cartel is a threat to public safety, our public health, and our national security as a country.”
  (DEA Agent, 09:55–09:59)

4. Linking Crime, Immigration, and the Political Divide (04:48–10:18, 11:36–13:57)

• Voting and Illegal Activity
  Ferguson highlights a claim by Maine’s Democratic Secretary of State that non-citizens are registered to vote, calling it a "blatant disregard for the law."

• Doubts Cast on National Reporting
  Ferguson challenges mainstream media for failing to cover cartel presence in places like New England, arguing it exposes the myth that cartels are only a “border issue.”

• Contrast: Federal Action vs. Local Pushback
  The episode draws a contrast between tough federal action (tied to Donald Trump) and what Ferguson characterizes as Democratic reluctance to address crime, exemplified in a discussion about D.C. and Los Angeles crime statistics, highlighting political unwillingness to give Trump credit even where results appear positive.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ferguson on the Stakes:

  “The Democratic Party has made it clear they're on the side of the criminal everywhere they can find them in this country, including illegal immigrants.” (Ben Ferguson, 03:29)

• Political Analyst on Public Attitudes:

  “Donald Trump is like Eric Jordan towering over Joe Biden when it comes to their handling a crime … Americans are far more hawkish on crime than a lot of Democrats want to admit.” (Political Analyst, 04:10)

• DEA on Pill Dangers:

  “I'm a DEA agent. I cannot tell the difference between a fake one and a real one.” (DEA Agent, 09:13)

• DEA on the Scope of Threat:

  “The Sinaloa cartel is a threat to public safety, our public health, and our national security as a country.” (DEA Agent, 09:59)

• Ben Ferguson on Political Refusal:

  “Adam Schiff, an individual who's saying, I would rather hate on Donald Trump than protect American citizens … Which brings us back to my original point. There are two sides to this story and the American people seem to be overwhelmingly on the side of what Donald Trump is doing to fight crime coast to coast.” (Ben Ferguson, 13:06–13:57)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Cartel Arrest Numbers in New England: 00:06–00:22, 07:59–08:40
• DEA Agent on Cartel’s Spread & Danger: 08:30–09:13
• Political Analyst on Trump vs. Biden Crime Polling: 04:10
• DEA Agent on Counterfeit Pills and Social Media Targeting: 09:13–09:26
• Debate Over Law Enforcement Success (D.C. Stats): 12:09–13:06
• Ben Ferguson’s Closing Argument: 13:57

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Summary

This episode uses a high-profile crackdown on the Sinaloa Cartel in New England to illustrate Ben Ferguson’s broader argument: that organized crime is not limited to the border and that Americans favor strong, federal, Trump-led approaches to law enforcement. The episode combines alarming DEA revelations, pointed political commentary, validated public concern via polling, and a critique of Democratic leaders’ reluctance to admit progress in fighting crime. Its tone is direct, combative, and heavily critical of Democratic approaches—consistent with Ferguson’s established style. The episode drives home that the fight against cartel-driven crime is a matter of urgent national security and political choice.

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Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Reporter]

DEA set out to arrest as many members of the Mexico based Sinaloa cartel as possible. New England saw the highest number of regional arrests at 171 with 49 in Massachusetts, 33 in New Hampshire. Connecticut saw the most at 64.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

Good Friday morning. It's nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. We've got one major story coming out of the wire house and that is this. More than 170 Sinaloa Cartel members have been arrested not at the southern border, but in New England with countless fentanyl pills that could kill tens of thousands of Americans. How did this happen and how big is the network? Apparently the Sinaloa cartel is massive, especially in Democratic run cities and states. The President is now cracking down on it big time. But before I get to that, I want to talk to you about my friends at Kirk Elliott Precious Metals. Two days ago, I got my new order of silver. Now I'm investing in silver right now because the pricing on it is amazing and the upside, well, it's real. I actually have a 100 ounce silver bar. It is actually really cool. It's really heavy because it's 100 ounces. But I also know that I bought it at the right price and I wasn't paying massive upcharges, unquote rare or special coins. And then when you go to sell them, you take away all of your earning potential. Why do they do it this way at Kurt Elliott? Because they have transparent pricing up front. It's very simple. You pay 8% when you buy. And here's what matters to you the most. Nothing. When you sell, there are no hidden fees ever. With Kurt Elliott Precious Metals. This is the reason why I recommend them. It's not just about investing, it's about you get more for your money. And that is exactly why Kurt Elliott helps people all the time. Whether it's gold or silver, you can hold it, be a good steward of it, you can pass it on to future generations and you can build wealth with it. It's real bullion, never gimmicks, just investment grade gold and silver. No overpriced coins, no flashy markups. And it's a company that I love. Because they are a faith driven company. There's no pressure, just honest care. They treat every client like family, offering honest answers up front to help you make wise, informed decisions. Now, if you're seeking a partner when it comes to gold and silver, with an eternity mindset. Visit kepm.comBen that's K-E P M.comBen you can also call them 720-605-3900. That's 720-605-3900. So let's faithfully steward what God has given so you can experience real peace now and for generations to come.comBen it's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one.

There is a big debate that is happening in this country. And the debate is, do you want law and order or do you want anarchy and chaos? The Democratic Party has made it clear they're on the side of the criminal everywhere they can find them in this country, including illegal immigrants. They also want you to believe that cities are actually really safe when they are not. So the question you have to ask is, who are the American people putting their trust in? Well, CNN had a very interesting poll that just came out, and guess what it showed Americans are overwhelmingly preferring President Donald Trump's approach to crime fighting over what they had with Joe Biden.

[Political Analyst]

Okay, I think this sort of gives the game away here because Donald Trump is like Eric Jordan towering over Joe Biden when it comes to their handling a crime. Look in 2024, look at where Biden's net approval was on crime way underwater there at minus 26. It was one of Biden's worst issues. Granted, pretty much every issue was one of Biden's worst issues. And again, look at where Donald Trump is way, way, way above Joe Biden. What is that? That's 27 points. So Americans vastly prefer Donald Trump's approach to crime than they did to Joe Biden's. And again, I think it gets back to the point that Americans are far more hawkish on crime than a lot of Democrats want to admit.

[Ben Ferguson]

I love how they refer to Donald Trump as Michael Jordan. He is just killing it when it comes to fighting crime. People are behind him. But if you look at what the Democrats are doing right now, they're doing everything they can to keep those that commit crimes in this country. Maine's Democratic Secretary of State is now admitting non citizen residents are registered to vote in her state. Blatant disregard for the law is how it is being described by GOP lawmakers in Maine. After the Democrats. Yes. All right, fine. We admit it. Non citizens are registered, registered to vote and are voting in our state. Which brings us to another big story. There is a myth that there's only major cartel activity at our southern border, border states and it's not really anywhere else. That is what the media has been saying and that's what Democrats have been saying. And they also want you to believe that, you know, not that bad. Well, if you want to know how big the network is of criminal activity, look at the newest data that's just come out. 171 Sinaloa Cartel members have been arrested in New England. That's pretty darn far from the southern border. The Drug Enforcement Administration, you know them as the DEA in New England, say that they arrested more than 170 members of the Sinaloa drug cartel during a recent crackdown operation. The arrest led to the seizure of more than 22,000 counterfeit pills, fentanyl powder and packaging branded with the Sinaloa cartel logo. The DEA special agent in charge for the New England field Division said to 25News in Boston that the Sinaloa Cartel is public enemy number one in England. The DEA agent also told the local news outlet that during a week long nationwide crackdown, 171 cartel members were arrested in New England area alone. A number they say is truly shocking. Why are you not hearing about this story on the national news? That is the question that everyone should be asking. And there's a very good answer to it. Because if they tell you that the cartels are controlling New England, then you realize it's not actually a border issue anymore. I want you to take a listen to the local news and what they said to their citizens about just how bad the cartel movement is in Boston and the surrounding area.

[Reporter]

The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration says a week long cartel crackdown led to nearly 200 arrests just in New England. The DEA says they were all members of the Sinaloa Cartel, the largest drug cartel in the world. 25 Investigates went one on one with the DEA special agent in charge about their recent operation. He says the vast Sinaloa network has deep roots in New England.

[DEA Agent]

They're our public enemy number one.

[Reporter]

Jared Forget, the special agent in charge of DEA's New England field division says last week the DEA set out to arrest as many members of the Mexico based Sinaloa Cartel as possible. New England saw the highest number of regional arrests at 171 with 49 in Massachusetts, 33 in New Hampshire. Connecticut saw the most at 64. Do you think people would be surprised to learn how many members of that cartel are operating probably in plain sight in their communities?

[DEA Agent]

Sure. So Sinaloa cartel in every single state across America, more than 40 countries around the world, and obviously they're in every state throughout New England.

[Reporter]

What's their number one product they push? Is it the pills?

[DEA Agent]

So we see fentanyl powder and we see counterfeit pills. Pills that are made to look like legitimate pills.

[Reporter]

Notably M30s, M30 pills are counterfeit oxycodone. But Forge says they're also increasingly seeing counterfeit stimulant pills made to look like Adderall. Forget showed us some of the more than 22,000 pills and other drugs seized during the operation, like signature purple fentanyl. And some drug packaging even displaying the Sinaloa cartel stamp.

[DEA Agent]

I'm a DEA agent. I cannot tell the difference between a fake one and a real one. So we need to remind parents, schools, caregivers, everybody in the community, have those conversations with each other. Have them with your kids.

[Reporter]

Forget says the cartel targets unsuspecting young people online through common social media apps. Many have no idea they're buying potentially deadly counterfeit pills. 171 arrests throughout New England. Does that make a dent?

[DEA Agent]

We're the dea. We're not going after low level retail drug traffickers. We are going after drug trafficking organizations, the networks.

[Reporter]

How do you disrupt that something that is so large, so vast, and seemingly so powerful?

[Ben Ferguson]

Right.

[DEA Agent]

It's an ongoing battle, one that we cannot, we can't afford to give up.

[Ben Ferguson]

Right.

[DEA Agent]

It's. The Sinaloa cartel is a threat to public safety, our public health, and our national security as a country.

[Reporter]

This year, the Centers for Disease Control reported, while drug overdose deaths are declining, overdose is the leading cause of death for young people ages 18 to 45.

[Ben Ferguson]

You notice one of the really important things that was said there by the dea. They said the cartels are everywhere. Not only did he say that, but he said, I'm a DEA agent. I cannot tell the difference between an actual pill and a counterfeit pill that can take your life with fentanyl. He also talked about the other warning about stimulants. Many kids will use Ritalin and Adderall and actually use it because they're trying to study things like that in college. Every year turn deadly when they buy what they think is an actual prescription pill. And in reality, it is from the cartel. They don't care if you die. They just need you to buy the product and move it quickly. Which brings us back to the other basic issue. There are two different sides of this story. Now. You're either on the side of holding those accountable that are doing this and going after them. The president's made it clear that's what he's doing. And now the American people are saying very clearly that what they want is for Donald Trump to continue doing this. There are other states, they're doing everything they can to say, we're not going to get involved. We're not going to give in to President Trump wanting law and order. We are going to fight you at every step of the way. One example of that is Adam Schiff on if the drop in D.C. crime after the Fed surge should be celebrated. You know what his response was? I can't analyze DC's numbers, but guard in LA was bad. Yes. So even when the numbers drop, the Democratic Party refuses to admit it's an actual good thing for the country.

[Podcast Host]

All right, so Trump, you know, he has referred to himself as the chief law enforcement officer of the country. Right. As opposed to commander in chief. Right. A nuance that matters. But he says, Senator, as you know, he says this is about combating crime. And he says it's working in Washington, D.C. where of course, you are tonight. So when you look at the numbers there, though, this is According to Washington DC's official database last week. I know you're familiar with these numbers, but here they are. A 44% decrease in violent crime in the three weeks since the federal surge. Right. Compared to the same period a year ago. That includes a 44% drop in homicides compared to the same time last year. So, I mean, if that is the outcome of what he's doing, is that something to actually celebrate?

[DEA Agent]

Well, I don't think I can analyze what DC's crime numbers were, but I can't say this about Los Angeles and the deployment of troops there. First of all, it was completely unnecessary.

[Ben Ferguson]

Notice the massive jump there. He doesn't want to talk about what worked in Washington D.C. because he knows the city where he's speaking from is safer now than it's been in years. So he decides to go to LA instead. Adam Schiff, an individual who's saying, I would rather hate on Donald Trump than protect American citizens. And when asked a simple question about, hey, the data shows it's working, he refuses to even accept it and moves on, which is all encompassing of the Democratic Party. Which brings us back to my original point. There are two sides to this story and the American people seem to be overwhelmingly on the side of what Donald Trump is doing to fight crime coast to coast.

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast, and we will see you back here tomorrow.

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[DEA Agent]

Taken me too literal from Eminem and.

[Reporter]

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[Ben Ferguson]

Anything like Eminem fans.

[Reporter]

This is the story of a fan base.

[Ben Ferguson]

I had to look in the mirror.

[Reporter]

And be like, am I one of these crazy Stans that created a culture? I do have an addiction to Eminem.

[Ben Ferguson]

I travel the world for him.

[Podcast Host]

Without Eminem, I wouldn't have the life.

[Ben Ferguson]

I have right now.

[DEA Agent]

What's your first question?

[Reporter]

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[Podcast Host]

Plus, this is an iHeart podcast.