The U.S. has taken action against five leaders of a notorious Mexican drug cartel linked to violence and drug trafficking. This move comes after the murder of Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old social media influencer, who was shot while livestreaming on TikTok in May. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the sanctions against the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) on Wednesday.
The CJNG is known for its brutal tactics and is responsible for a large portion of fentanyl and other illegal drugs that enter the United States. The cartel uses violence, including the targeted killing of women, to intimidate rivals. This pattern of violence highlights the serious issue of femicide in Mexico, where many killings of women often go unpunished.
Among those sanctioned is Nemesio Ruben “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the cartel’s leader. The U.S. has placed a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. Another key figure, Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, is identified as the main suspect in Marquez’s murder. He was also among those sanctioned.
Valeria Marquez was killed in a beauty salon in Zapopan, Mexico, where she was working at the time of her death. The attack was shocking, occurring in broad daylight as she engaged with her followers online. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing violence against women in Mexico.
The other cartel leaders targeted by the sanctions include Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez, Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, and Audias Flores Silva. This action reflects a broader effort by the U.S. to combat drug trafficking and violence linked to Mexican cartels.