Soldiers patrol the streets of Aguililla, Michoacan state, Mexico, on March 11, 2022, after violent cartel activity. (Enrique Castro / AFP)
The Trump administration took a whole-of-government approach to addressing the United Cartels.
In addition to the indictments unveiled on Thursday, the Treasury Department announced economic sanctions against several of its alleged leaders and the State Department announced $26 million in rewards for information leading to the arrests of the five defendants, who remain at-large.
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Those facing charges are Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, Alfonso Fernandez Magallon, Luis Enrique Barragan Chavez, Edgar Orozco Cabadas and Nicolas Sierra Santana.
The five men have allegedly been involved in a decades-long conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, including into the United States. They face drug trafficking charges that carry maximum penalties of life in prison.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-charges-five-mexican-cartel-leaders-touts-extraordinary-policework-led-indictments