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CJNG Co-Founder Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charges

4/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Erick Valencia-Salazar, co-founder of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy on April 8, 2026.
He was arrested in 2022 for conspiring to send cocaine to the US.
His transfer to the United States was part of a Mexican-government extradition effort.
CJNG was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States in 2025.
Salazar's sentencing is set for July 31, 2026, with a 10-to-life range.

History

Historical Context

In February 2025, the U.S. designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying efforts against drug trafficking. This followed the 2022 arrest of Erick Valencia-Salazar, who conspired to send over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine to the U.S. The designation underscores the growing collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities in combating powerful drug cartels.

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Story summary

Erick Valencia-Salazar, co-founder of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), pleaded guilty to narcotics conspiracy on April 8, 2026.
He was arrested in 2022 for conspiring to send cocaine to the US.
His transfer to the United States was part of a Mexican-government extradition effort.
CJNG was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States in 2025.
Salazar's sentencing is set for July 31, 2026, with a 10-to-life range.

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