U.S. puts $25 million bounty on new leader of Mexico’s most powerful cartel

The U.S. government announced a substantial increase in their reward offer for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, also known as "Pelón," the current figurehead of Mexico's most powerful cartel. Previously set at $5 million, the reward has been raised to $25 million. This heightened incentive is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to pressure Mexican authorities to combat the activities of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), now valued at a total of $100 million in rewards.

Additional sanctions were also imposed, targeting family members and business associates of cartel members. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the lethal impact of such cartels, stating that their activities contribute to drug-related violence and death in the U.S. The CJNG, now designated as a foreign terrorist organization, has been significantly weakened following the death of its previous leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, or "El Mencho," in February.

González, a U.S. citizen and stepson of Oseguera Cervantes, is suspected to have taken over leadership of the cartel, which operates in various illicit activities including avocado production and drug smuggling. This move follows the U.S. imposing sanctions on 50 individuals and companies associated with the cartel, freezing their assets and restricting U.S. financial transactions.

Despite ongoing pressure from the U.S. on the Mexican government, the fight against the CJNG is described as only in its early stages.