DEA-Led Operation Nets More Than 600 Arrests Around the Country

The Department of Justice announced this week that a Drug Enforcement Administration-led effort entitled Project Python resulted in more than 600 arrests targeting activities by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). CJNG is considered one of the fastest growing transnational criminal organizations and one of the most prolific methamphetamine producers in the world.

Project Python began as a global effort to disrupt the CJNG’s ability to distribute methamphetamine and other drugs throughout the United States by attacking the group at all levels.

Included in this week’s indictment on charges of alleged continuing criminal enterprise is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the undisputed leader of CJNG.  Last month, El Mencho’s son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, also known as “Menchito” and second in command of CJNG, was extradited from Mexico to the United States on charges of alleged drug trafficking and firearm use in relation to drug trafficking activities.  On Feb. 26, 2020, El Mencho’s daughter, Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez, was arrested in the United States on financial charges related to her alleged criminal violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

The more than 600 arrests include individuals connected to CJNG through the group’s network of manufacturing, importing, and distributing a wide array of illegal narcotics in the U.S.

Project Python went on for roughly six months and, aside from the more than 600 arrests, resulted in 350 indictments and significant seizures of money and drugs.

“Project Python is the single largest strike by U.S. authorities against CJNG, and this is just the beginning,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This strategic and coordinated project exemplifies DEA’s mission: to disrupt, dismantle, and destroy drug trafficking organizations around the world and bring their leaders to justice.  Today, DEA has disrupted CJNG’s operations, and there is more to come as DEA continues its relentless attack on this remorseless criminal organization.”

Project Python was created in fulfillment of the president’s Executive Order 13773 to identify, interdict, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.  The Department of Justice designated CNJG as one of the top transnational criminal groups targeted as part of carrying out this executive order.