The United States is taking strong new steps against one of Mexico’s most feared drug gangs—the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel, also known as CJNG. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has placed sanctions on five individuals believed to be top leaders in this dangerous group.
At the center of this move is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” He is believed to be the head of CJNG and is one of the most wanted people in North America. U.S. officials have called him one of the most powerful drug lords in the world. The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information that leads to his arrest or conviction.
El Mencho is wanted for crimes including drug trafficking and violent acts that have harmed thousands of people. His cartel is known for moving large amounts of dangerous drugs into the United States, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These drugs have caused widespread addiction and many deaths.
Along with El Mencho, four more people have been sanctioned:
- Carlos Enrique Sánchez Martínez, also known as “El Cholo.”
- Erick Valencia Salazar, also called “El 85.”
- Juan Carlos Valencia González, believed to be El Mencho’s stepson.
- Abigael González Valencia, a key financial operator in the cartel.
These individuals are believed to play important roles in running the cartel’s operations, finances, and violent activities.
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Cartel Leader Tied to Killing of Influencer
One of the newly sanctioned men is also linked to a very public and tragic killing. According to U.S. officials, Juan Carlos Valencia González is a suspect in the recent murder of a Mexican beauty influencer who was shot while livestreaming on social media. The crime shocked people across the world.
The woman, who was popular for her videos and photos online, had been speaking about drug violence and criticizing certain groups. While nothing has been officially proven in court, investigators believe this killing may have been ordered by members of the CJNG to silence her.
The Treasury Department says actions like this show how dangerous and powerful the Jalisco cartel is. Not only does it spread harmful drugs, but it also uses fear and violence to keep control.
These sanctions are designed to hit the cartel leaders where it hurts: in their wallets. The U.S. government is blocking any money or property they may have in the U.S. and making it illegal for American businesses or people to deal with them. The goal is to limit their ability to move money or grow their influence.
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Part of a Bigger Crackdown
This latest move is part of a wider campaign by the United States to stop Mexican cartels from growing stronger. Just weeks earlier, U.S. officials also placed sanctions on several leaders of the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, another large and deadly criminal group.
The U.S. government has said that it now treats major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This gives them more tools to go after cartel members, even if they are outside the country.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control, also known as OFAC, works with the U.S. Department of State and law enforcement agencies to carry out these actions. Their job is to track down where money is coming from and where it’s going—especially when it’s connected to crime.
By sanctioning these five individuals, the U.S. is continuing its strategy of applying financial pressure instead of just relying on arrests or force. Even if cartel members don’t live in the U.S., cutting off their access to money and business networks can slow them down.