U.S. Air Force C-5M Airlifts $5 Billion in Seized Drugs for Destruction
In mid-May 2026, the U.S. Air Force’s 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, with the DEA, executed Operation Burnout—the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal narcotics for destruction. A C-5M Super Galaxy moved 50 metric tons of seized fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine (valued at $5 billion) from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, then to an Indiana incinerator. The airlift avoided risky ground convoys after California incinerator closures.
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Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy Airlifts $5 Billion in Seized Narcotics for Destruction
The U.S. Air Force's 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed Operation Burnout, the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal narcotics for destruction. Using a C-5M Super Galaxy, the unit airlifted approximately 50 metric tons (23 pallets) of seized drugs valued at $5 billion from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in mid-May 2026. The drugs were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by environmental closures of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. Officials highlighted the role of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the seizure, emphasizing that airlift reduced security risks and manpower compared to ground transport. Joint Task Force North planned the operation months in advance, coordinating flight paths, ground security, and hazardous cargo waivers.
Air Force TimesAir Force’s C-5M Super Galaxy aids in removal, destruction of $5 billion worth of illegal drugs
The 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed Operation Burnout, the largest-recorded aerial transport of seized narcotics for destruction. Using a C-5M Super Galaxy, the unit airlifted approximately 50 metric tons (23 pallets) of illegal drugs valued at $5 billion from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in mid-May 2026. The drugs were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by environmental closures of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. Air Force officials highlighted the C-5M's heavy airlift capability as critical for moving the hazardous cargo securely and efficiently, avoiding the risks of ground transport. The drugs included fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Air Force TimesAir Force C-5M Super Galaxy Airlifts $5 Billion in Seized Narcotics for Destruction
The U.S. Air Force's 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed Operation Burnout, the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal drugs for destruction. Using a C-5M Super Galaxy, the unit moved approximately 50 metric tons of narcotics (23 pallets valued at $5 billion) from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in mid-May 2026. The drugs were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by environmental closures of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. Air Force assistance avoided a multi-state ground convoy, reducing security risks such as ambush or theft. Joint Task Force North planned the operation months in advance, and airmen from the 50th and 56th Aerial Port Squadrons assisted with packaging and loading. The article highlights the interagency collaboration and the critical role of heavy airlift capabilities in combating the fentanyl crisis.
Air Force TimesAir Force C-5M Super Galaxy Airlifts $5 Billion in Seized Narcotics for Destruction
The U.S. Air Force's 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed Operation Burnout, the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal drugs for destruction. Using a C-5M Super Galaxy, the unit airlifted 23 pallets (approximately 50 metric tons) of seized narcotics valued at $5 billion from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The drugs were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by the closure of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. The Air Force's heavy airlift capability allowed for a faster, more secure alternative to ground transport, reducing risks of ambush or theft. The drugs included lethal substances like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Joint Task Force North planned the operation months in advance, coordinating flight paths, security, and hazardous cargo waivers.
Military TimesAir Force C-5M Super Galaxy transports $5 billion in illegal drugs for destruction
The U.S. Air Force's 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed Operation Burnout, the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal narcotics. Using a C-5M Super Galaxy, the wing airlifted 23 pallets (approximately 50 metric tons) of seized drugs valued at $5 billion from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in mid-May 2026. The drugs were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by environmental closures of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. Air Force officials highlighted that the heavy airlift capability reduced security risks, manpower, and time compared to ground transport. The specific narcotics were not named, but the operation supports DEA goals against fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Military TimesAir Force's C-5M Super Galaxy aids in removal, destruction of $5 billion worth of illegal drugs
The U.S. Air Force's 433rd Airlift Wing Reserve, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed the largest-recorded aerial transport of illegal narcotics using a C-5M Super Galaxy. The operation, named Operation Burnout, involved airlifting 23 pallets (approximately 50 metric tons) of seized drugs valued at $5 billion from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The narcotics were then transported to an incinerator facility in Indiana for destruction. The operation was necessitated by the closure of major California incinerators, which left the DEA with growing stockpiles. The Air Force's heavy airlift capability allowed for a more secure and efficient transport compared to ground convoy, reducing risks of ambush or theft. The drugs included lethal substances like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Joint Task Force North planned the operation months in advance, coordinating flight paths, security, and hazardous cargo waivers.
Military Times