Federal prosecutors filed narco-terrorism charges against leading members of the Sinaloa Cartel, the first of its kind following the U.S. State Department's designation of six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The charges include narco-terrorism, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and various drug trafficking, conspiracy, and money laundering charges.
Key Points
Sinaloa Cartel members facing narco-terrorism charges
BLO leaders Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel implicated
Charges include fentanyl trafficking and supporting a foreign terrorist organization
Large fentanyl seizure linked to Inzunzas' leadership
BLO known for extreme violence and criminal activities
Pros
Novel legal response to combat the influence of dangerous cartels
Seeking severe punishment for those involved in drug trafficking and terrorism
Cons
Potential for retaliatory violence from cartel members
Complex legal challenges in prosecuting individuals associated with powerful criminal organizations