US government taking ‘dramatically different approach’ using terrorism charges against drug cartels: FBI alum
Share this @internewscast.com

A former FBI assistant director states that the federal government is adopting a “dramatically different approach” to combating drug trafficking following the imposition of terror-related charges on several Sinaloa cartel leaders.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, were accused of narco-terrorism, providing material support to terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering on May 13 as affiliates of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a subset of the Sinaloa cartel. Additionally, five other BLO leaders faced charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.

Chris Swecker, former assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, explained to Fox News Digital that this marks the first instance of cartel members being charged with terrorism-related offenses, and it is meant to convey a strong message.

“This administration is taking a dramatically different approach to fighting drug cartels, who are the most powerful criminal organizations on the planet right now,” Swecker said. “It is perfect for narco-traffickers because if you can go after anyone who supports these trafficking cartels and leaders and members in any way, if they give them a paperclip, if they provide financial support, if they work for them, they’re a hit man.”

Fire started following cartel violence in Mexico

A truck on fire is seen on the streets of Culiacan, Mexico, on Sept. 11, 2024, during an escalation of violence after a Sinaloa cartel leader was arrested. (Ivan Medina/AFP via Getty Images)

Noriega allegedly worked closely with his son to “aggressively traffic” fentanyl into the United States, prosecutors said, adding that the two have led “one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world.”

The father and son trafficked “tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl” into the United States, according to federal prosecutors.

Mexican law enforcement officials raided several locations in Sinaloa that are managed and controlled by the pair, seizing over 1.65 tons of fentanyl.

Indictments are also pending against members of the BLO and Sinaloa cartel, which include Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Ismael Zambada Sicairos and Jose Gil Caro Quintero.

All individuals, including Noriega and Coronel, remain at-large.

Drugs in bags

A total of 1,680 kilograms of cocaine seized in Mexico City. (DOJ)

Adam Gordon, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, sent a message to the cartel leaders during a press conference announcing the charges. 

“Let me be direct: To the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, you are no longer the hunters. You are the hunted. You will be betrayed by your friends. You will be hounded by your enemies, and you will ultimately find yourself and your face here in a courtroom in the Southern District of California,” Gordon said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
CCTV footage of a car being pushed off an overpass by a lorry.

Terrifying Lorry Accident Sends Hatchback Carrying 5, Including Child, Off Bridge

This is the astonishing moment when a lorry that had lost its…
North Korean IT workers infiltrated Fortune 500 companies in massive fraud scheme

North Korean IT Workers Deceive Fortune 500 Companies in Major Fraud Operation

Federal authorities have discovered numerous plans by North Korea to finance its…
Man in a light gray shirt giving a thumbs up.

Who is Bryan Kohberger? Suspect in Idaho College Murders Explained

BRYAN Kohberger was charged with committing the brutal murders of four students…
Bryan Kohberger judge could slap contempt charges on leakers: Idaho-based lawyer

Bryan Kohberger Reaches Plea Agreement in Idaho Student Murders Case

Idaho student murders suspect Bryan Kohberger has accepted a plea deal to…
NFL teams pondering TJ Watt trade — where Steelers stand

NFL Teams Consider Trading for TJ Watt — Here’s the Steelers’ Position

One trade by the Steelers could open the door for another. Following…
Law enforcement vehicles passing a roadblock.

Grandfather of Idaho Shooting Suspect Wess Roley, 20, Speaks Out as Disturbing New Details About His Past Emerge

THE grandfather of a suspected gunman who lit a wildfire to lure…
East Coast flyers face travel nightmare after weather sparks delays ahead of holiday weekend

East Coast Travelers Experience Delays Due to Weather Ahead of Holiday Weekend

Many key airports along the East Coast experienced flight disruptions due to…
Diddy Trial: Opening statements expected Monday

Jury Begins Deliberation in Diddy’s Human Trafficking Trial

Combs chose not to testify, and his lawyers didn’t call any witnesses…
Defund movement faces 'absolute rejection' as murders drop and police budgets climb: law enforcement group

“Defund Movement Faces Backlash as Crime Rates Decrease and Police Budgets Increase, Says Law Enforcement Group”

Over recent years, several major cities have bolstered their police support and…
Trump administration sues Los Angeles, claiming the city refuses to cooperate on immigration

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against Los Angeles for Non-Cooperation on Immigration

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Trump administration initiated a lawsuit on Monday…
Military requesting to pull 200 troops back from California protest duty

Military Seeks to Withdraw 200 Troops from Duty at California Protests

WASHINGTON (AP) — The leading military official responsible for overseeing troops stationed…
Tropical Storm Barry forms off Mexico's eastern coast

Tropical Storm Barry Develops Near Mexico’s Eastern Shore

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the southeast coast of…