U.S. judicial authorities unsealed an indictment on Tuesday charging four alleged members of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel over an illegal arms scheme in Czechia. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges alongside the Homeland Security Task Force, citing offenses of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and firearm trafficking.
According to the Justice Department, the suspects were arrested in Czechia in June after trying to acquire military weapons. Two of the men have been extradited to the United States, while the remaining two face imminent extradition. If convicted, all four face up to life imprisonment.
Weapons for Drugs Deal
U.S. officials said the negotiations involved European machine guns, rocket launchers, automatic rifles, grenade launchers, and mortars. In exchange for the weaponry, the men offered fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States. The Justice Department did not identify the prospective weapons suppliers.
Prosecutors stated that two suspects intended to use the armaments to commit violent crimes against rival cartels, civilians, police, and military forces in Mexico.
Cartel Terrorist Designation
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel operates a global network trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. President Donald Trump's administration designated the violent group an international terrorist organization.
Last week, U.S. prosecutors filed separate charges against senior cartel leaders and raised rewards for information leading to their arrest to as much as $100 million.
