Both are already facing extradition proceedings to the United States on drug trafficking charges. The formal accusation before the District of Columbia was revealed this Wednesday, practically at the same time that the former Secretary of Public Security, Genaro García Luna, was sentenced to more than 38 years in prison in a New York Court, for protecting the Sinaloa Cartel. .
The United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, stated that the accusation against “Z-40” and “Z-42” highlights his government’s efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that generate insecurity and violence in both countries.
“They are accused that, despite being in prison, they have remained in control of the Northeast Cartel (CDN), formerly known as “Los Zetas,” and have continued with their criminal activities in Mexico,” the diplomat warned.
“The indictment alleges that they are personally responsible for committing dozens of murders and for directing murders, kidnappings and acts of torture by members of Los Zetas and the CDN to promote and protect the cartel’s drug trafficking activities and enrich its members. ”.
In the midst of the rift with the National Palace after its criticism of the judicial reform, Salazar stressed that the seriousness of the accusation underlines the importance of shared work and cooperation with Mexico on issues of common interest, to protect the security and well-being of the people. .
“Z-40” and “Z-42”, according to the file, had control of “Los Zetas” when this organization was the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel to maintain control of drug trafficking routes in Mexico.
“Since becoming leaders of Los Zetas in 2012, which they later renamed the Northeast Cartel, the defendants are alleged to have continued their history and pattern of using extreme violence to control large swaths of northern Mexico, including throughout the border with the United States,” reads the indictment.
Miguel and Omar Treviño Morales were imprisoned in Mexico in 2013 and 2015, respectively, but continued to control the CDN through various means, including placing family members to run operations on their behalf.
The brothers are alleged to be personally responsible for committing dozens of murders and directing murders, kidnappings and acts of torture to promote and protect the Cartel’s drug trafficking activities and enrich its members.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendants ran a transnational drug trafficking organization that was responsible for committing extreme violence and trafficking enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States,” said Nicole Argentieri, Chief Deputy Prosecutor for the Department of Justice. head of the Department’s Criminal Division.
“The Department of Justice is committed to holding cartel leaders like the defendants accountable for poisoning American communities and fueling violence here and abroad. “We are also committed to working with our national and international colleagues in this effort, and we are grateful to our allies, the Mexican law enforcement authorities, for their continued collaboration in this case.”
