The United States has announced rewards of $5 million each for the capture of René and Alfonso Arzate García, brothers linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The brothers are accused of controlling drug trafficking in the border city of Tijuana for the past 15 years.
Rewards Follow Recent Cartel Leader’s Death
According to a statement from the Department of State, despite ongoing conflicts, the Arzate García brothers maintain control of a key trafficking corridor. This control makes them central figures in sustaining cartel operations, including the trafficking of fentanyl.
The brothers were initially charged in a Southern California court in 2014 and were sanctioned by the Department of the Treasury in 2023. Both are considered “very violent.”
This announcement follows the death of Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación. Oseguera died during a pursuit in a rural area near Tapalpa. The operation resulted in the deaths of numerous police officers, soldiers, and individuals protecting Oseguera, and raised concerns about potential clashes between criminal organizations vying for control.
Last year, Washington declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the $5 million reward?
The $5 million reward offered for the capture of René and Alfonso Arzate García demonstrates the U.S. Government’s prioritization of disrupting the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations in Tijuana.
What was the outcome of the operation targeting “El Mencho”?
The operation targeting Nemesio Oseguera, “El Mencho,” resulted in his death and the deaths of numerous law enforcement personnel and those protecting him. It also sparked fears of further violence as organizations compete for power.
What is the U.S. Government’s stance on fentanyl?
The U.S. Government declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction last year and designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a terrorist organization.
How might the recent events impact the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border?
