Overview

• Mexico handed over 26 suspected high-ranking cartel operatives to US custody on August 12 under bilateral agreements that limit capital-punishment pursuit
• Among those transferred was Abigael González Valencia, alias “El Cuini”, whom the DOJ identifies as leader of Los Cuinis and a key financier tied to the CJNG
• DEA Administrator Terry Cole personally received González Valencia in Washington before his federal court appearance in which he pleaded not guilty to trafficking charges for cocaine and methamphetamine
• González Valencia’s case is now before Judge Beryl A. Howell with a follow-up hearing set for August 26; he faces potential multi-decade sentences if convicted
• The operation reflects heightened US-Mexico cooperation aimed at neutralizing cartel command and financial networks through direct prosecution in US courts