DEA Nabs 670 CJNG Suspects in Major Drug Bust

United States / Mexico — In a coordinated operation between U.S. agencies and with international support, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the arrest of 670 people allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Authorities also confiscated drugs, firearms, and millions of dollars in cash, in a blow that officials categorize as strategic against the finances of organized crime.

According to a statement, the arrests were carried out between September 22 and 26 in at least 23 field divisions in United States territory and in seven regions abroad.

Among the seizures, the following items stand out:

• 92.4 kilograms of fentanyl powder
• 1,157,672 counterfeit fentanyl pills
• 6,062 kilograms of methamphetamine
• 22,842 kilograms of cocaine
• 33 kilograms of heroin
• 244 firearms
• 18,644,105 dollars in cash

The total value of the seized assets amounts to 29,694,429 dollars.

In its official statement, the DEA held the CJNG responsible for flooding the United States with lethal substances and for operating transnational networks that fuel addiction, overdoses, and violence in American communities.

Furthermore, the DEA reiterated that Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” the leader of the CJNG, is wanted with a 15 million dollar reward for information leading to his capture. He faces charges for conspiracy, drug distribution, and the use of firearms in relation to international trafficking.

This operation is projected as a clear message: the fight against organized crime is not only played out in Mexico, but also depends on coordinated action between neighboring countries.