State Department offers $10 million reward for brothers leading Sinaloa cartel

Published: Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:05 pm

State Department Offers Multi-Million Dollar Reward for Sinaloa Cartel Leaders

The U.S. State Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California, is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of Rene and Alfonso Arzate-Garcia. The reward, split evenly between the brothers, reflects their significant roles within the Sinaloa Cartel.

For the past 15 years, the Arzate-Garcia brothers have jointly controlled the Tijuana Plaza, a crucial trafficking corridor for the cartel. Their authority is maintained through violence, strategic alliances, and corruption within local political and police structures. Despite ongoing conflicts, they continue to manage this critical route, facilitating the flow of illicit drugs, including deadly fentanyl, into the United States.

The Sinaloa Cartel, previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization and a specially designated global terrorist, has been the target of increased scrutiny. Rene Arzate-Garcia faces a superseding indictment from the Department of Justice, charging him with narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism, and drug trafficking. He is accused of smuggling substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the U.S.

The brothers were initially charged with drug trafficking offenses in San Diego in 2014. By 2023, the Treasury Department had designated them as drug kingpins. Authorities are currently unaware of their location.

These announcements are part of a broader effort to combat Mexican drug cartels. This crackdown follows a recent operation by Mexican security forces, supported by U.S. intelligence, that resulted in the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. The operation triggered violent responses from CJNG members, including attacks in various cities and towns, prompting the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order.

BNN's Perspective: The U.S. government's aggressive stance against Mexican cartels, including the offering of substantial rewards and the designation of these groups as terrorist organizations, is a complex issue. While the efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and protect U.S. communities are understandable, it's crucial to consider the potential for unintended consequences and the need for international cooperation to address the root causes of the drug trade. A balanced approach, combining law enforcement with diplomatic efforts and support for local communities, is essential for long-term success.

Keywords: Sinaloa Cartel, Rene Arzate-Garcia, Alfonso Arzate-Garcia, drug trafficking, fentanyl, reward, DEA, State Department, Tijuana Plaza, narco-terrorism, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Mexico, drug kingpins

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