World · North America · 2 hrs ago
US indicts alleged CJNG leader Iván Cazarín Molina on drug and weapons charges
A US federal grand jury indicted Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque,” on drug and weapons charges.
Prosecutors allege he conspired to send cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States from 2005 to 2025 and possessed a gun to support the trafficking.
Cazarín Molina is identified as a regional leader and co-founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as the CJNG.
Mexican authorities arrested him in Zapopan, Jalisco, on October 5.
A Mexican judge rejected his legal challenge against possible extradition to the United States.
If convicted, he could face at least 40 years in prison or up to two consecutive life sentences.
The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed in the US court system; the sources do not say when he might be extradited or tried.
A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia indicted alleged CJNG leader Iván Cazarín Molina on drug conspiracy and firearms charges.
The indictment alleges he conspired to manufacture and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for the United States from 2005 to 2025.
Mexican authorities arrested Cazarín Molina in Zapopan, Jalisco, on October 5.
The US Department of Justice announced the indictment on October 22, 17 days after his arrest.
If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 40 years in prison and a maximum of two consecutive life sentences.
- Who
- Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque,” described as a CJNG co-founder and regional leader.
- What
- A federal grand jury indicted him on charges of conspiring to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States and possessing a firearm to facilitate drug trafficking.
- When
- The indictment was announced on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The indictment was filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia; Cazarín Molina was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege he conspired to manufacture and distribute drugs for the United States and possessed a firearm to facilitate drug trafficking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The indictment alleges that Cazarín Molina conspired to manufacture and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for the United States.
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed administrative sanctions on Cazarín Molina over his alleged role in a CJNG-linked fuel theft network.
Mexican authorities arrested Cazarín Molina in Zapopan, Jalisco.
The US Department of Justice announced the indictment; a federal judge in the State of Mexico also rejected a defense challenge to possible extradition.
- Defendant
- Iván Cazarín Molina, alias “El Tanque
- Alleged drugs
- At least 5 kilograms of cocaine and 500 grams of methamphetamine
- Alleged conspiracy period
- 2005–2025
- Arrest
- October 5, 2026, in Zapopan, Jalisco
- Potential sentence if convicted
- Minimum 40 years; maximum two consecutive life sentences
1 source
What people are saying
This sends a clear message: the Department of Justice will find all leaders and commanders of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and prosecute them for the destruction they cause in our communities.
The era of impunity for cartel leaders is over.