Kash Patel Announces FBI, CBP, DOJ Make Major Narcotics Arrest

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced another significant arrest since taking charge of the bureau.

On Tuesday night, Patel shared on X that FBI divisions in San Juan and Miami collaborated with the Department of Justice and Customs and Border Protection to disrupt a major narcotics operation.

“BREAKING: Tonight, I can report the FBI @FBISanJuan @FBIMiamiFL with the help of our interagency partners @CBP, @TheJusticeDept, and others intercepted a MAJOR narcotics operation off the coast of Italy, through the CBP’s ‘Container Security Initiative.’ We have seized over 2,000 kilos of cocaine from a transnational terrorist organization who we believe to be responsible for trafficking drugs through South America and across the U.S. southern border,” Patel stated.

He continued, “This is a tremendous victory for our law enforcement partners and will mean safer streets for Americans. Amazing work from our agents and colleagues.”

Just last week, Patel revealed that the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce had arrested numerous MS-13 and other gang members.

“Today the FBI’s Virginia Homeland Security Taskforce arrested 39 individuals, including MS13 and other gang members, as part of our mission to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Thank you to all our partners bravely doing their jobs and executing the mission,” Patel wrote.

In addition, the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported the capture of a high-ranking MS-13 leader who managed gang operations across the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Authorities apprehended David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, 27, on February 27 in Hyattsville, Maryland. He was identified as an illegal alien from El Salvador, charged in his home country with firearm possession, extortion, and aiding terrorism.

For years, Orellana had been a senior figure within MS-13, overseeing gang activities in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston commented, “The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization. This arrest speaks volumes about the cooperation enjoyed between ICE and the FBI. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our communities.”

FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno added, “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States. David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman is no longer in his alleged position of power directing violence. His arrest demonstrates the success we can have when we collectively investigate and disrupt violent criminals seeking to exploit our communities.”

Orellana had been detained in El Salvador on December 1, 2016, facing charges related to firearm possession, extortion, and affiliation with MS-13, a designated terrorist organization.

At an unknown date and location, he entered the U.S. illegally without authorization or official inspection from immigration authorities.

On December 9, 2024, law enforcement in Prince George’s County stopped Orellana for driving without a license. He remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

Earlier this week, Patel gained attention when he proposed strengthening the FBI’s ranks with support from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Sources familiar with Patel’s initiative stated that the plan includes a collaboration with the martial arts entertainment organization. The UFC, led by CEO Dana White, had been a notable supporter of President Donald Trump’s reelection, as reported by ABC News.

According to sources briefed on the proposal, during a teleconference with the heads of the FBI’s 55 field offices, Patel suggested establishing an official partnership with the UFC to create fitness programs aimed at improving agents' physical conditioning.

While the weekly virtual meetings between special agents in charge of each field office have long been a tradition, this particular session marked Patel's first call since assuming his new role on Friday.

Within hours of the discussion, news of Patel’s UFC proposal spread among current and former FBI officials nationwide, with some expressing support for the idea.

“If they’re trying to up their physical fitness, the UFC is very specific in their fitness,” ABC News contributor Rich Frankel, a former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Newark, New Jersey office, told the network.