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US Sanctions Jalisco Cartel Leaders Over Violence and Fentanyl Trafficking
Table of Contents
- US Sanctions Jalisco Cartel Leaders Over Violence and Fentanyl Trafficking
- targeting key Figures in the Jalisco Cartel
- CJNG’s Reign of Terror and Fentanyl Trafficking
- Sanctions and Their Impact
- Ricardo Ruiz Velasco and the Murder of Valeria Márquez
- The Broader Impact of CJNG Activities
- Evergreen Insights: The evolution of the Jalisco Cartel
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Jalisco Cartel
The United States government, under the direction of the President, has announced sanctions against several key leaders of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), including its founder, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” the sanctions are a response to the cartel’s involvement in drug trafficking, violence, and the distribution of fentanyl, which has had a devastating impact on communities across the U.S.
targeting key Figures in the Jalisco Cartel
The treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is specifically targeting individuals who play significant roles within the CJNG. These individuals are accused of contributing to the cartel’s violent activities and its ability to traffic drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States.
- Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (“El mencho”): As the leader of the CJNG, Oseguera Cervantes is responsible for directing the cartel’s operations, which include murder, drug trafficking, and intimidation tactics against rivals and government officials.
- Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez: Identified as a possible successor to “El Mencho,” Castillo Rodríguez’s influence in the port of Manzanillo facilitates the acquisition of substances used for drug manufacturing.
- Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan: Allegedly directed the Izaguirre Rancho, a CJNG recruitment camp where new recruits were trained and those who disobeyed instructions were killed.
- Audias Flores Silva: A regional commander of the CJNG who controls areas in several Mexican states, including Zacatecas, Guerrero, Nayarit, jalisco, and Michoacán.
- Ricardo Ruiz Velasco: Close to “El Mencho” and affiliated with a CJNG Special Forces Unit, Ruiz Velasco is in charge of the cartel’s communication and propaganda and has been involved in high-profile murders.
Did You Know? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Just a tiny amount can be lethal, and it is indeed frequently enough mixed with other drugs, making users unaware of the danger.
CJNG’s Reign of Terror and Fentanyl Trafficking
According to treasury Secretary Scott Besent,the CJNG’s “reign of terror” in Mexico and its trafficking of fentanyl into the United States has destroyed countless innocent lives.The cartel is known for using extreme violence as a tactic to intimidate rivals and send messages, including the selective murders of women [1].
Beyond drug trafficking, the CJNG is involved in fuel theft, migrant trafficking, and corruption, further destabilizing the region. The recent discovery of the Izaguirre Rancho recruitment camp underscores the cartel’s brutal methods and its willingness to use violence to maintain control.
Sanctions and Their Impact
As a result of the sanctions, all assets and holdings of the sanctioned individuals that are in the United States or under the control of americans are blocked. This action aims to disrupt the CJNG’s financial network and prevent them from accessing resources that support their criminal activities.
Pro Tip: Understanding the financial networks of cartels is crucial for disrupting their operations. Sanctions are a key tool in this effort, but international cooperation is also essential.
Ricardo Ruiz Velasco and the Murder of Valeria Márquez
Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, one of the sanctioned individuals, has been implicated in numerous high-profile murders in Mexico, including attacks on Mexican police and the murders of a Jalisco state official and a Venezuelan model. recently, Ruiz Velasco was identified as the main suspect in the murder of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez, who was killed while broadcasting live.
The Broader Impact of CJNG Activities
The CJNG’s activities have far-reaching consequences,contributing to violence,instability,and the opioid crisis in the United States. The cartel’s control over key regions in Mexico allows it to operate with impunity, making it a significant threat to both Mexican and U.S. security.
| Sanctioned Individual | Role in CJNG | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| rubén Oseguera Cervantes (“el mencho”) | Leader | Directing cartel operations, murder, drug trafficking |
| Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez | Possible Successor | Facilitating drug manufacturing through port influence |
| Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan | Camp Director | Directing recruitment and training at Izaguirre Rancho |
| Audias Flores Silva | Regional Commander | Controlling areas in multiple mexican states |
| Ricardo Ruiz Velasco | Special Forces/Propaganda | Communication, propaganda, high-profile murders |
What more can be done to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States? How can communities affected by cartel violence be better supported?
Evergreen Insights: The evolution of the Jalisco Cartel
the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG) emerged in the early 2010s as a splinter group of the Milenio Cartel. It quickly rose to prominence through its aggressive tactics and its ability to exploit weaknesses in other cartels. The CJNG’s expansion has been marked by brutal violence and a willingness to challenge the Mexican government directly. Its focus on fentanyl trafficking has made it a key player in the opioid crisis in the United States, leading to increased pressure from U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Jalisco Cartel
- What is the jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG)?
- The CJNG is a powerful Mexican drug cartel known for its violence and involvement in fentanyl trafficking.
- Who is the leader of the CJNG?
- The leader of the CJNG is Rubén Oseguera cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
- What is the CJNG’s primary source of income?
- The CJNG’s primary source of income is drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
- Where does the CJNG operate?
- The CJNG operates primarily in Mexico, but its activities extend to the united States and other countries.
- What is the

