Four Suspected Members of Mexican Cartel Charged in US, Sought to Obtain Weapons from Czech Republic

Four men whom Washington considers members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNG) were arrested in the Czech Republic in June. JNG is regarded as one of the most powerful gangs operating in Mexico.

On Tuesday, the US Department of Justice announced that criminal charges had been filed against them. They are suspected of attempting to purchase weapons and ammunition in the Czech Republic.

US Department of Justice officials said that two of those arrested have already been extradited to the US, while the other two are expected to be extradited soon.

The four suspects face charges of drug trafficking, arms trafficking and other criminal offenses. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.

US justice authorities say the men sought to obtain a large arsenal of weapons and ammunition in the Czech Republic. The equipment was to be used in Mexico to carry out “violent crimes against rival cartels, civilians, police and military personnel.”

The list of requested weapons included automatic rifles, mortars and grenade launchers. In exchange, they had offered fentanyl or methamphetamine, which would then be smuggled into the US.

The US Department of State did not disclose the identities of the suspected arms suppliers with whom the Mexicans had reached the agreement.

Meanwhile, last week, US authorities announced the launch of criminal proceedings against high-ranking members of KNGX. The reward for information leading to the arrest of the gang’s leaders was also increased to $100 million.

The cartel is accused of establishing a global and particularly violent network for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. President Donald Trump’s administration has designated it an international “terrorist” organization.