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EE.UU. pone precio de +$100M a 8 capos del CJNG: “Los más buscados”
US Announces $100+ Million in Rewards for Top Leaders of Mexico’s Jalisco Cartel
What Just Happened?
The United States government just made a major announcement in its fight against one of Mexico’s most powerful and dangerous drug cartels. On Wednesday, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed new criminal charges and huge cash rewards — totaling over $100 million — for information leading to the capture of eight top leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
IMPORTANT POINT
This isn’t just about money. The US officially labeled the CJNG a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" in February 2025, giving authorities more legal tools to go after the group’s money, weapons, and international networks.
Who Is the CJNG? (Simple Explanation)
Think of the CJNG like a massive, violent corporation — but instead of selling legal products, they:
- Produce and ship tons of illegal drugs (like fentanyl, meth, and cocaine) into the US
- Use extreme violence — including massacres, beheadings, and bombings — to control territory
- Run other crimes: kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and fuel theft (known in Mexico as huachicol)
- Operate across many Mexican states and have global connections
Their former boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — "El Mencho", was one of the world’s most wanted criminals until he died in February 2025 during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state.
The 8 Wanted Leaders & The Rewards
The US has put a price on each leader’s head. Here’s the breakdown:
Top Target — $25 Million
| Name | Alias | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Carlos Valencia González | "El Pelón" | Stepson of "El Mencho" — now considered the cartel’s top boss |
NOTE: The reward for "El Pelón" was increased from a previous amount to $25 million — the highest on this list.
Second Tier — $15 Million Each
| Name | Alias | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Audias Flores Silva | "El Jardinero" | Already arrested in Mexico (April 2026) — US may request extradition |
| Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez | "El Chorro" | At large |
| Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán | "El Sapo" | At large |
Third Tier — $10 Million Each
| Name | Alias |
|---|---|
| Ricardo Ruiz Velasco | "El Tripa" |
| Julio César Montero Pinzón | "El Tarjetas" |
| Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela | "La Firma" |
Lowest Reward — $2 Million
| Name | Alias |
|---|---|
| Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón | (No known alias) |
What Crimes Are They Charged With?
All eight face federal drug trafficking charges for shipping illegal drugs into the US.
Some also face money laundering conspiracy charges — meaning they allegedly helped hide and move the cartel’s illegal profits.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
US Strategy: Cut Off the Money & Leadership
- The US has been sanctioning Mexican businesses linked to the CJNG’s financial network
- Goal: Starve the cartel of cash so it can’t buy weapons, bribe officials, or expand
Mexico’s Role
- Mexican authorities killed "El Mencho" in Feb 2025
- They arrested "El Jardinero" in April 2026
- But the Mexican government admits the CJNG is still active in many regions
Joint Effort
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said:
"This is a continuation of our efforts to eliminate the cartels that have plagued this country for too long."
Both countries are working together — but the cartel remains one of the most violent criminal groups in the Americas.
Summary: Key Takeaways
US offers $100M+ in rewards for 8 top CJNG leaders
Cartel labeled a "terrorist organization" by Trump in Feb 2025
"El Pelón" (stepson of dead boss "El Mencho") now #1 target — $25M reward
"El Jardinero" already in Mexican custody — extradition possible
Charges: drug trafficking + money laundering
CJNG still operating: drugs, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, fuel theft
US sanctioning Mexican companies tied to cartel’s money
Both US & Mexico taking action — but cartel remains powerful & violent
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "Foreign Terrorist Organization" mean?
It’s a legal designation by the US State Department. It lets the US freeze the group’s assets, ban members from entering the US, and prosecute anyone giving them "material support" (money, weapons, training). It’s a powerful tool — not just a label.
Why is "El Pelón" considered the new boss?
He’s the stepson of "El Mencho" and has risen through the ranks. US intelligence believes he’s now calling the shots for the whole cartel. That’s why his reward is the highest.
If "El Jardinero" is already arrested in Mexico, why does the US want him?
The US wants to try him in American courts for crimes committed against the US (like shipping fentanyl here). They’ve likely asked Mexico to extradite him — send him to the US to face trial.
What is huachicol?
It’s fuel theft — criminals tap into pipelines, steal gasoline/diesel, and sell it illegally. It’s a huge money-maker for the CJNG and causes dangerous explosions and shortages in Mexico.
Will these rewards actually work?
Rewards have worked before — tips from insiders or rivals have led to major captures. But the CJNG is deeply embedded, heavily armed, and very violent. Catching these leaders will take time, cooperation, and luck.
Final Thought: This announcement shows the US is doubling down on the CJNG — not just with arrests, but with financial pressure, legal designations, and international cooperation. The fight is far from over, but the pressure is growing.
