U.S. Government Shifts Strategy with Terror Charges Against Sinaloa Cartel Leaders
A former FBI assistant director, Chris Swecker, has pointed out that the Department of Justice’s decision to file terrorism-related charges against Sinaloa cartel members represents a significant shift in strategy. This marks the first time in history that cartel members have faced such charges, which is designed to send a clear message and broaden the scope of law enforcement’s actions against these criminal organizations.
The charges against Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, are for narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering. This approach reflects the Trump administration’s designation of the Sinaloa cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, highlighting the administration’s intent to treat these groups as terrorist entities. As a result, the penalties for those involved are increased, and the potential for extradition is raised.
According to prosecutors, Noriega and Coronel are alleged to have been closely involved in the aggressive trafficking of fentanyl into the United States, leading to the seizure of over 1.65 tons of the illicit drug. Mexican law enforcement officials raided multiple locations under their control and found substantial quantities of fentanyl. This seizure is another indication of the administration’s intensified efforts against drug trafficking.
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, Adam Gordon, made a direct appeal to the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, stating that they are no longer the hunters but the hunted, and that they will eventually face legal consequences in a courtroom.