Introduction
Juan José Ponce Félix, also known as ‘Jesús Alexandro Sánchez Félix’ and ‘El Ruso,’ is under the scrutiny of U.S. law enforcement, who have identified him as the leader of the main armed wing of ‘La Mayiza’ and a regional network of the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) announced a reward of up to $5 million on September 16, 2025, under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for any information leading to Ponce Félix’s arrest and/or conviction.
Who is ‘El Ruso’ and the Arzate Brothers?
According to the FBI, Ponce Félix is the founder and leader of ‘Los Rusos,’ the primary armed wing of ‘La Mayiza,’ a powerful faction of the Sinaloa Cartel deemed a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. ‘El Ruso’ and the Arzate brothers are close associates of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada García, who is currently detained in the U.S. and awaiting a final sentence for drug trafficking.
Origins of ‘La Mayiza’
The Sinaloa Cartel was led by two key figures: Joaquín ‘Chapo’ Guzmán Loera and Ismael ‘Mayo’ Zambada García, both of whom are currently detained and facing various proceedings in the U.S. Since their arrests, two dominant factions have emerged within this criminal group, competing for power and influence over the territories they control. These factions are ‘Los Chapitos’ (the sons of Guzmán Loera) and ‘Los Mayos’ (affiliated with the Zambada family).
What does ‘La Mayiza’ control?
‘Los Mayos’ are responsible for the production and trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine from northwestern Mexico to the United States. The U.S. Department of Treasury has reported that ‘Los Mayos’ are involved in kidnapping, extortion, money laundering, and corruption in Rosarito, Baja California. Due to its proximity to the U.S. border, Rosarito and its surroundings serve as a crucial artery for the Sinaloa Cartel’s drug trafficking operations.
The ‘Los Mayos’ Faction
‘Los Mayos’ have a strong presence in the Mexican states of Baja California, Sonora, and Zacatecas. Through various alliances, they have trafficked illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and cocaine across the U.S. border.
Key Players: ‘El Ruso’ and the Arzate Brothers
‘El Ruso’ is the founder and leader of ‘Los Mayos” main armed wing, controlling the cartel’s drug trafficking routes in Baja California. In a 2015 formal accusation, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California identified ‘El Ruso’ as the leader of a team of soldiers involved in kidnapping, hostage-taking, torture, and murder, supporting the Sinaloa Cartel’s interests in Culiacán, Mexico.
As a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel for many years, ‘El Ruso”s current dominance in Baja California has strengthened ‘Los Mayos”’ U.S.-based drug trafficking operations.
The Arzate Brothers
Alfonso and René Arzate García control vast territories in northern Baja California, including Rosarito, a coastal town approximately 24 kilometers south of the California side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Due to its proximity to the border, Rosarito and its surroundings form a critical corridor for the Sinaloa Cartel’s illicit drug smuggling to the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Treasury reported that the Arzate brothers also manage the cartel’s drug trafficking operations in Tijuana and surrounding municipalities, importing large quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, to the U.S.
They are known for their extreme violence and involvement in law enforcement operations, such as kidnappings and assassinations.
Arzate Brothers’ Network
According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, René Arzate maintains control over Rosarito through various partners, including Mario Alberto Herrera Sánchez (Mario Herrera) and Karlo Omar Herrera Sánchez (Karlo Herrera).
The Herrera brothers reportedly work with Jesús González Lomelí (González), a high-ranking financial operator of the Sinaloa Cartel based in Rosarito, to facilitate the cartel’s operations in the area.
González Lomelí is reportedly the owner of several bars and restaurants in Rosarito, including Bombay Beach Club, Coco Beach Club, and Mariscos El Caimán, as well as other restaurants, nightclubs, and resorts across Mexico. González has used his businesses to launder millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds for the Arzate brothers and other high-ranking cartel members, including ‘El Ruso.’
Political Influence and Corruption
The U.S. Department of Treasury stated that the Arzate brothers have used González Lomelí’s and another alleged political operative affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, Candelario Arcega Aguirre (Arcega), political influence to corrupt and exert control over the Rosarito municipal government.
Recently, federal deputy and former Rosarito mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo has been identified as a key player in ‘La Mayiza’ for controlling parts of the municipal government and placing allies in high-level positions within the Rosarito government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is ‘El Ruso’? Juan José Ponce Félix, the founder and leader of ‘Los Rusos,’ the primary armed wing of ‘La Mayiza’ and a regional network of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- What is ‘La Mayiza’? A powerful faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, deemed a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, competing with ‘Los Chapitos’ for control over territories and drug trafficking routes.
- What does ‘La Mayiza’ control? The production and trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine from northwestern Mexico to the United States.
- Who are the Arzate Brothers? Alfonso and René Arzate García, who control vast territories in northern Baja California and manage drug trafficking operations in Tijuana and surrounding municipalities.
- What is the Arzate Brothers’ network? A complex web of alliances and partnerships involving high-ranking cartel members, business owners, and political operatives to facilitate drug trafficking operations and launder money.
- How do the Arzate Brothers exert control? Through political influence, corruption, and the use of violence to maintain their dominance in key drug trafficking corridors.
