U.S. announces new charges, rewards against Mexican cartel CJNG leaders

The United States has intensified its pressure on the Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) cartel, announcing new charges and significantly increasing reward money for the capture of its leaders. Designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in February 2025, the CJNG is considered one of the most dangerous cartels operating today.

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Narcoterrorist organizations like the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel are responsible for countless American deaths.

The cartel's leadership saw a drastic shift following the death of co-founder Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," in February. The presumed new head, Juan Carlos Valencia, also called "Pelón" or "El 03," now has a $25 million reward for his capture, a substantial increase from the previous $5 million. The Department of Justice also raised rewards for lieutenants Audias Flores "Jardinero," Gonzalo Mendoza "Sapo," and Julio Alberto Castillo "Chorro," who is "Pelón's" son-in-law, to $15 million each.

U.S. authorities revealed new drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession charges against five of these lieutenants. "Narcoterrorist organizations like the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel are responsible for countless American deaths," stated interim Attorney General Todd Blanche during a press conference. The DEA chief, Terry Cole, emphasized that "Pelón" is the DEA's "number one priority."

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For us, 'Pelón' is the number one priority of the DEA.

Beyond drug trafficking, CJNG members have specialized in defrauding American retirees. Tysen Duva, an assistant attorney general, explained that cartel members would scam victims into believing they were investing in Mexican properties. In some cases, fraudsters even threatened victims with arrest by the cartel if they didn't continue payments. The State Department has also imposed visa restrictions on 65 individuals linked to the cartel members, revoking 93 visas since June 2025.

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the scammers even told the victims that they had actually paid a cartel, and that they would be arrested if they did not continue to pay, which they did.