US offers $102 million rewards for eight cartel leaders

The United States government announced on August 5 a series of measures targeting the leadership of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), including reward offers totaling $102 million for eight of its leaders. The largest bounty, $25 million, is for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Juan Carlos González, also known as "Pelón," whom U.S. authorities identify as the cartel's new leader.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the rewards at a news conference in Washington, framing the action as part of a sustained effort to dismantle cartels that import deadly narcotics like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States. Officials described the CJNG as a sophisticated organization that uses violence and fear to maintain control, spreading violence and death to communities.

The $25 million reward for González marks a significant increase from a previous $5 million offer. González, a dual U.S. and Mexican citizen, is reported to have taken control of the CJNG following the death of its founder, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," during a Mexican military operation in February. That raid in the town of Tapalpa,...