To attack cartels, go after the money, warns U.S. ambassador; celebrates blow to CJNG

The United States is intensifying its efforts to dismantle drug cartels by targeting their financial lifelines, according to U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson. He stressed that the most effective way to combat these organizations is to "go after the money" and attack them where it hurts most: their resources.

Ambassador Johnson celebrated a recent development where an operator for a Minnesota-based money transfer company was indicted for allegedly laundering drug trafficking proceeds for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This case, involving at least $750,000 laundered through structured transfers and false identities, exemplifies the intricate networks that facilitate illicit gains.

"Under President Donald Trump's leadership, we are attacking the entire criminal network, from traffickers to the financial facilitators who move their illicit profits," Johnson stated. He highlighted that this operation demonstrates the necessity of confronting these networks from all fronts.

The ambassador reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate with Mexico, stating, "Working with Mexico, we will continue to dismantle these networks to make our two countries safer." A federal grand jury in Minnesota formally indicted Christopher A. Bravo Marín, 46, a Mexican national residing in Minneapolis, on August 20 for conspiring to launder at least $750,000 in drug trafficking money on behalf of the CJNG, described as one of Mexico's most prolific and dangerous drug cartels.