The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration handled $19 million in drug trafficking funds during an undercover operation, some of which were transferred to cryptocurrency accounts

ChainCatcher News, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) successfully infiltrated and took control of the money laundering network of Colombian drug trafficking organizations in an undercover operation lasting over a decade, handling a total of approximately $19 million, some of which was transferred to cryptocurrency accounts. The operation ultimately led to the indictment of two individuals involved in heroin trafficking.

Related documents show that in 2018, DEA undercover agents transferred $150,000 into a Coinbase account and exchanged it for over 13 bitcoins, benefiting from the price increase; this portion of assets is now valued at over $1.5 million. The Department of Justice is seeking to recover the related funds. (Forbes)