Former Los Zetas Cartel Leaders Arraigned in Washington DC on Drug Trafficking & Money Laundering Charges

Two former leaders of the notorious Los Zetas cartel, Miguel Treviño Morales and Omar Treviño Morales, have been arraigned in Washington DC on charges including drug trafficking, firearm offences, and money laundering. The brothers are accused of running a violent criminal enterprise responsible for multiple murder conspiracies, extensive narcotics distribution, and acts of extreme brutality.

Los Zetas’ Legacy of Violence & Criminal Activity

According to court documents, Miguel Treviño Morales, also known as Z-40, led Los Zetas from October 2012 until his arrest in 2013, when his brother, Omar Treviño Morales (Z-42), allegedly took over until his own capture in 2015. Following their arrests, the cartel rebranded as Cartel del Noreste (CDN) and continued its illicit operations, which included large-scale drug trafficking and acts of extreme violence such as assassinations, kidnappings, and torture.

On 20 February 2025, the US Department of State officially designated CDN as a foreign terrorist organisation, reflecting its ongoing threat to security.

Criminal Charges & Maximum Sentences

The defendants face charges of:

• Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise

• Conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana for importation into the US

• Use of firearms, including machine guns, in relation to drug trafficking

• International money laundering conspiracy

If convicted of the criminal enterprise charge, they face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

International Law Enforcement Action

The case highlights years of coordinated international law enforcement efforts. The US had long sought extradition of the Treviño Morales brothers, but requests were not granted by previous administrations. However, following renewed diplomatic efforts, the Mexican government transferred the defendants to US custody on 27 February 2025.

Key agencies involved in the case include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), and the FBI.

A Crackdown on Transnational Organised Crime

“This case represents a crucial step in our mission to eliminate cartel operations that fuel violence and drug-related destruction in our communities,” stated Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will relentlessly pursue those who traffic narcotics, engage in violent acts, and launder illicit profits.”

Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso of ICE HSI echoed this, emphasising the agency’s commitment to dismantling dangerous criminal organisations. “The Treviño Morales brothers ran Los Zetas with absolute ruthlessness. We will use every tool available to bring these criminals to justice and protect American communities.”

Operation Take Back America

This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a national initiative targeting transnational criminal organisations and violent offenders. The initiative pools resources from the Department of Justice’s Organised Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighbourhoods (PSN) to disrupt major criminal networks.

As the case progresses, the US government remains committed to dismantling the operational capabilities of violent cartels and ensuring that those responsible for widespread criminal activity face justice.

Read the press release here.