Cartel Members Arrested in Czech Republic

Four members of one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug cartels, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), are facing federal charges in the US after being arrested in the Czech Republic in June.

According to Fox 13 News, the US Attorney’s Office in Tampa has charged them with conspiracy to traffic drugs and weapons as well as narco-terrorism.

In the Czech Republic, the group allegedly attempted to negotiate the purchase of European-made military weapons, including machine guns, grenade launchers and mortars, for use in attacks against rivals, civilians and security forces in Mexico.

They allegedly planned to pay for the weapons with fentanyl and methamphetamine smuggled into the US.

Following the arrest of two members in the Czech Republic, Mexican authorities also dismantled the group’s synthetic opioid laboratory in the state of Jalisco in June.

Two of the arrested men have already been extradited to Florida, where they have appeared in court. Two others are awaiting extradition from the Czech Republic.

US authorities have emphasized that CJNG is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Investigators say they will take action against international cartels threatening US security regardless of where their members are hiding.

(max)