On August 14, 2025, the U.S. government announced a sweeping crackdown on Mexico’s United Cartels, offering up to $26 million in rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of five senior cartel leaders. The move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle transnational criminal organizations responsible for trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and other illicit drugs into the United States.
The highest reward—US$10 million—is offered for Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, known as “El Abuelo,” the alleged leader of Carteles Unidos. The other individuals targeted include:
- Alfonso Fernandez Magallon – Reward: US$5 million
- Luis Enrique Barragan Chavez – Reward: US$5 million
- Edgar Orozco Cabadas – Reward: US$3 million
- Nicolas Sierra Santana – Reward: US$3 million
These cartel figures are accused of operating large-scale drug production and trafficking networks in Michoacán, Mexico. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the cartels use profits from drug sales to acquire weapons, bribe officials, and fund violent operations.
In addition to the rewards, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on both Carteles Unidos and another criminal group, Los Viagras, along with seven affiliated individuals. These sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets and prohibit American entities from conducting transactions with the designated parties.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the sanctions aim to disrupt the cartels’ ability to exploit legitimate commerce and generate revenue for their criminal enterprises. The U.S. government’s actions reflect an intensified effort to combat the flow of narcotics and violence across borders, and to hold cartel leaders accountable for their role in fueling addiction and instability.
Source: El Universal
