Background on CJNG and its Global Reach
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the successful conclusion of a high-impact operation targeting the notorious Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This operation resulted in the seizure of over a million counterfeit pills, 77,000 kilograms of various drugs, and the arrest of 670 individuals between September 22 and 26.
The CJNG, known for its extreme violence and global presence, has an estimated tens of thousands of members operating in at least 40 countries. The DEA’s coordinated offensive aims to dismantle this dangerous criminal organization.
Operation Details and Seizures
The operation, conducted across 23 field divisions in the United States and seven foreign regions, yielded significant results. Authorities confiscated:
- 92.4 kg of powdered fentanyl
- 1,157,672 counterfeit pills
- 6,062 kg of methamphetamine
- 22,842 kg of cocaine
- 33 kg of heroin
- $18.6 million in cash
- $29.6 million in assets
- 244 firearms
DEA’s Commitment to Dismantling CJNG
According to DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, “The DEA is targeting the CJNG as a terrorist organization at all levels—from its leaders to its distribution networks and everyone in between.”
The agency reaffirmed its dedication to dismantling the CJNG’s command and distribution structures. The pursuit of the cartel’s leader and co-founder, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (also known as “El Mencho”), continues. The U.S. Department of State offers a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.
Interagency Collaboration in the Fight Against Transnational Criminal Organizations
The DEA’s operation is part of a broader interagency strategy by the U.S. government, involving the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and various federal, local, and tribal agencies. This collaborative effort aims to combat transnational criminal organizations and safeguard communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is CJNG? The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is a powerful and violent Mexican drug cartel with operations spanning at least 40 countries.
- What was the DEA operation about? The DEA conducted a high-impact operation targeting CJNG, resulting in significant drug seizures and 670 arrests.
- Who is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes? Also known as “El Mencho,” he is the cartel’s leader and co-founder, currently one of the most wanted fugitives by the United States.
- What is the interagency strategy mentioned? The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and various federal, local, and tribal agencies collaborate to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from drug trafficking.
