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US charges Mexican brothers 'R1' and 'R2' with drug trafficking and weapons possession; they are identified as CJNG comm Image: Especial
🇲🇽 Mexico /Crime & Justice

US charges Mexican brothers 'R1' and 'R2' with drug trafficking and weapons possession; they are identified as CJNG commanders in Michoacán

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement In the courts
  • The US Department of Justice has indicted Mexican nationals Ramón and Rafael Álvarez Ayala on charges of drug trafficking and weapons possession.
  • The brothers are accused of being regional commanders for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Michoacán, Mexico.
  • If convicted, they face a minimum of 40 years in prison and a maximum of two consecutive life sentences.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against Ramón Álvarez Ayala, 44, and Rafael Álvarez Ayala, 42, both Mexican nationals. A federal grand jury in Washington D.C. indicted them for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for importation into the United States, as well as for possessing a firearm, including a machine gun, to facilitate drug trafficking.

According to the indictment, the Álvarez Ayala brothers served as regional commanders for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Michoacán, Mexico. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated the Department of Justice is committed to eradicating drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, viewing the prosecution of these regional commanders as a significant step toward that goal.

The Department of Justice is committed to the total elimination of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. By targeting these regional commanders, we take another step toward fulfilling that commitment to eradicate the scourge of cartels like the CJNG.

— A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division of the Department of JusticeStatement on the indictment of the CJNG commanders.

The charges allege that the brothers conspired to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for importation into the U.S. between 2004 and December 2023. They are also accused of using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm, including a machine gun, in connection with the drug conspiracy.

If found guilty, each of the Álvarez Ayala brothers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of two consecutive life sentences. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emphasized its commitment to dismantling violent and ruthless terrorist organizations like the CJNG, pursuing their leaders, facilitators, financiers, and corrupt accomplices.

Every indictment brought against members of drug cartels, like the CJNG, sends a clear message: the DEA is committed and focused on dismantling violent and ruthless terrorist organizations.

— Cindy Marx, Special Agent in Charge and Deputy Director of the DEA's Office of National Security InvestigationsStatement on the DEA's commitment to combating drug cartels.
About this summary

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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