A total of 23 individuals were recently taken into custody in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The arrests were part of a 50-count indictment that accused the suspects of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and meth in the Houston and Galveston areas.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the impact of cartels on American lives, stating, “Countless American lives have been lost because of the Jalisco and Sinaloa Cartels.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the severity of the fentanyl threat posed by Mexican drug trafficking organizations, particularly the Jalisco cartel. She expressed, “The charges and arrests announced today target every element of the Jalisco cartel’s trafficking network.”
Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stressed the agency's commitment to combating Mexican drug cartels, stating, “DEA’s number one operational priority is to save lives by defeating the Mexican drug cartels responsible for the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced.”
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Director Ronald L. Davis commended the collaborative effort to dismantle the network supplying drugs on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, stating, “This is just one example of the significant work we can accomplish together to confront one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico.”
According to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani, the CJNG is recognized as a powerful and dangerous criminal organization involved in trafficking cocaine, heroin, meth, and fentanyl. He emphasized the tireless efforts to protect communities from the cartel's pursuit of profit at the expense of young lives.
The indictment also revealed the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and illegal proceeds, including meth, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl-laced pills, and cash. Authorities are seeking forfeiture of approximately $10 million obtained through the alleged crimes.
The ongoing investigation, known as Operation Rainmaker, involved multiple jurisdictions and led to the arrest of a total of 20 individuals, with warrants still outstanding for others. The suspects are facing charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering, with potential sentences of up to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Cusick and Rick Hanes, with the DEA and USMS leading the investigation, supported by local law enforcement agencies.
The arrests mark a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking organizations, underscoring the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of communities.