On Wednesday, the U.S. government announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, also known as “Pelón,” who U.S. officials say is a U.S. citizen and an influential figure within Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Washington Times and PBS NewsHour report the reward is tied to González’s arrest, describing him as a figurehead of what they call the cartel’s most powerful leadership. The Korea Times adds context that the reward was increased from $5 million to $25 million.
Korea Times also reports the broader U.S. campaign against CJNG includes a total of $100 million in rewards for other cartel leaders, along with visa restrictions affecting family members and business associates of cartel figures. It also says U.S. prosecutors have unsealed charges against five other high-ranking leaders. Across the outlets, officials present the effort as part of a push to disrupt CJNG’s leadership and reduce trafficking of drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and meth into the United States.