U.S. Offers $10 Million Reward for CJNG Lieutenant
Authorities are seeking information on Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, a leader within the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Drug Crime
The U.S. government has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Ricardo Ruiz Velasco. Velasco, a senior lieutenant of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, is accused of overseeing the group's paramilitary wing, known as Grupo Élite.
Why it matters
The reward aims to disrupt the leadership of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, which is officially designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization. This move is part of an ongoing effort to combat high-level transnational organized crime figures.
Ricardo Ruiz Velasco was formally charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on November 4, 2025. The criminal complaint includes specific conspiracy charges involving 5 kilograms of cocaine, 500 grams of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, and 400 grams of fentanyl.
The players
Ricardo Ruiz Velasco
He is a senior lieutenant of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación and leads the paramilitary group known as Grupo Élite.
Juan Carlos Valencia González
He serves as the leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
Drug Enforcement Administration
This federal agency is responsible for enforcing controlled substances laws and managing the reward program for information on top criminals.
The details
Individuals with information regarding the whereabouts of Velasco are instructed to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration. Tips can be submitted via telephone, email, or through U.S. embassies and consulates as part of the Narcotics Rewards Program.
Timeline
March 13, 1984: Birth of Ricardo Ruiz Velasco.
November 4, 2025: Ricardo Ruiz Velasco is charged in U.S. District Court.
October 30, 2026: U.S. government announces a $10 million reward.
Legal Context
This reward follows the established pattern of the Narcotics Rewards Program using financial incentives to target high-ranking members of foreign terrorist organizations. It reflects a broader federal strategy of leveraging international cooperation to prosecute leadership within cartels designated under U.S. law.
The public is encouraged to report information to authorities, as the government is actively seeking assistance to apprehend the suspect. There are no immediate changes to local security protocols for residents in the United States, but the DEA is prioritizing tips that could lead to a successful arrest.
The takeaway
Authorities are utilizing significant financial incentives to track down high-value targets operating in international drug trafficking networks. The public should avoid direct contact with dangerous individuals and instead rely on official DEA reporting channels for sharing tips.
Further reading
Learn more about federal efforts to disrupt illicit operations in the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Voice of America.
