TEXAS – A leader of the Gulf Cartel was arrested earlier this month in the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration while shopping in Edinburg, Texas, officials announced Tuesday.
Gulf Cartel leader Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, 23, of Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was arrested on Oct. 9, officials said.
“Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez became the head of the Gulf Cartel following the 2013 arrest of former leader Mario Ramirez-Trevino,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “He moved steadily up the cartel ranks, working as a lookout, record keeper, plaza boss, and finally its leader.”
Adding, “He oversaw much of the violence and bloodshed that has plagued Mexico and DEA is pleased he will face justice in the United States.”
A federal investigation into the large-scale trafficking of illegal drugs from Mexico to East Texas led to the identity of Saenz-Tamez.
Authorities said the investigation revealed thousands of kilograms of cocaine and marijuana were shipped to the East Texas and then to locations across the nation, including Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Maryland and Georgia.
Saenz-Tamez was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 5, 2013 and charged with conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy with intent to distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to money launder. He was transported from McAllen, Texas to Beaumont where he appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn for a detention hearing and initial appearance.
If convicted, Saenz-Tamez faces up to life in federal prison for the drug charges and up to 20 years for the money laundering charge.
“The news that Juan Saenz-Tamez has been arrested is further proof that justice is prevailing in Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.