Mexican Cartel Members Face Justice in D.C.

by
March 15, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former leaders of the Los Zetas cartel were arraigned in Washington, D.C., on charges including drug trafficking, firearm offenses, money laundering, and multiple murder conspiracies, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Miguel Treviño Morales, 52, known as “Z-40,” and Omar Treviño Morales, 48, known as “Z-42,” allegedly led Los Zetas, a violent cartel formed by former Mexican military officers. Authorities say Miguel Treviño Morales took control of the organization in 2012 until his arrest in 2013, after which his brother assumed leadership until his own arrest in 2015.

Prosecutors allege the brothers continued running the cartel—later renamed the Cartel del Noreste (CDN)—while incarcerated in Mexico. The cartel is accused of drug trafficking, kidnappings, murders, assassinations, and acts of torture.

Both men face charges of continuing a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, using firearms in drug trafficking, and international money laundering. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment.

The U.S. had long sought their extradition, which was granted by Mexico on Feb. 27.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

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