U.S. Unseals Charges Against Five Alleged CJNG Leaders, Raises Reward for New Cartel Chief

The U.S. Justice Department has unsealed criminal charges against five alleged senior members of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), intensifying Washington’s crackdown on one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictments on Wednesday, describing them as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign to disrupt the cartel’s leadership and drug operations. The move follows the February death of longtime CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "El Mencho," who was killed during a Mexican military raid.

According to the indictments, which were unsealed on Tuesday, Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez, Oseguera’s former son-in-law, and Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, identified as Oseguera’s godson, are accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States. Prosecutors allege the pair played significant roles in the cartel’s drug distribution network.

The Justice Department also charged Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, Julio Cesar Montero Pinzon, and Carlos Andres Rivera Varela with offenses linked to the CJNG’s criminal activities. Authorities believe the defendants held senior positions within the organization and contributed to its international drug trafficking operations.

None of the five suspects is currently in U.S. custody, and they have not appeared in court to respond to the charges. U.S. officials did not disclose their current whereabouts but said efforts to locate and apprehend them remain ongoing.

In a related move, the U.S. State Department increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or capture of Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, also known as "El Pelon," who is believed to have emerged as the cartel’s new leader following Oseguera’s death. The reward now stands at $25 million, underscoring the U.S. government’s determination to dismantle the CJNG leadership and curb the flow of illegal narcotics into the country.

The latest charges highlight continued cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities as they target the CJNG, an organization widely regarded as one of the most dangerous transnational criminal groups involved in cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit drug trafficking.