US Announces $25 Million Reward for Capture of US Citizen Leading Mexican Cartel

POLICY WIRE — Washington, DC — The United States government has announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of a US citizen accused of leading the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.

The reward is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration, which has offered a total of $100 million in rewards for information on various leaders of the CJNG. The announcement was made by the US Department of State, which highlighted the significant threat posed by the cartel to both Mexican and US national security.

The accused individual, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed in the public announcement, is said to have played a crucial role in the cartel’s operations, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and violence. The US government believes that his capture would significantly disrupt the cartel’s activities.

“The United States is committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations that threaten our national security and public safety,” said a senior State Department official. “This reward underscores our determination to bring to justice those who engage in drug trafficking and other illicit activities.”

The CJNG, based in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is known for its extreme violence and has been designated as a significant foreign narcotics trafficking organization by the US government. The cartel is involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and other illicit drugs, which are trafficked into the United States.

This announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by both the US and Mexican governments to combat drug cartels and reduce the flow of illicit drugs across the border. The Trump administration has placed a high priority on addressing the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the influx of synthetic drugs from Mexico.

The $100 million reward program targets several high-ranking members of the CJNG, including Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” who’s considered the cartel’s leader. Oseguera is wanted by both the US and Mexican authorities and is believed to be responsible for ordering numerous acts of violence, including attacks on law enforcement officials.

The US government encourages anyone with information about the whereabouts or activities of these individuals to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. The rewards are offered under the Narcotics Rewards Program, which was established in 1986 to provide monetary awards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of major drug traffickers.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)