JACKSON, Tenn. — A two-year investigation into a major drug trafficking operation connected to the Sinaloa cartel led to the arrest of five men in West Tennessee, authorities announced. The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that the suspects were involved in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Memphis, McNairy County, and other areas in West Tennessee between April 2023 and March 2025.
The Sinaloa cartel, one of the largest drug trafficking organizations globally, has been heavily involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine across the United States. In February 2025, the Sinaloa cartel was officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
During the investigation, authorities seized a massive quantity of drugs, including:
10 kilos of cocaine
16+ pounds of methamphetamine
30,000 fentanyl pills
40 pounds of marijuana
$21,000 in cash
One firearm
The following individuals have been charged in connection to the trafficking operation:
Juan Palomino, 36, from Selmer, TN
Joaquin Elizalde, 44, from Selmer, TN
Javier Varela, 41, from Byhalia, MS
Luis Lizarraga, 36, from Memphis, TN
David Asua, 46, from Memphis, TN
McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies involved in the investigation. “We are extremely proud of the outcomes of this investigation and would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Federal, State, and Local Agencies that played a vital role in its success,” Buck said. He also emphasized that no one is above the law and that all involved individuals would face accountability.
This bust underscores how even smaller communities like McNairy County are significantly impacted by the reach and influence of international drug cartels operating within the U.S.
