As part of its campaign to combat organized crime groups in Mexico, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice announced Tuesday the unsealing of a superseding indictment and a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Juan José Ponce Félix, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel and ally of the faction known as La Mayiza.
According to U.S. authorities, Ponce Félix, also known as "El Ruso," leads an armed group called Los Rusos, which controls the Mexicali drug trafficking corridor and operates as an armed wing for La Mayiza. That group is led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, the son of longtime cartel figure Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
In a statement, the DEA said El Ruso's organization is responsible for trafficking millions of dollars' worth of narcotics into the United States, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin. The group is also accused of coordinating the flow of drug proceeds back into Mexico.
The DEA's Sept. 16 statement said that Ponce Félix and his group have aligned more closely with Zambada Sicairos, also known as "Mayito Flaco," in an internal Sinaloa cartel power struggle against the rival Los Chapitos faction, led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. U.S. officials said the internal split has intensified cartel violence in northern Mexico.
"Juan José Ponce Félix represents a ruthless and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel responsible for devastating families by fueling the drug crisis throughout the United States," DEA Administrator Terrance Cole said. "For years, Ponce Félix has resorted to kidnapping, torture and murder to maintain his grip on power. This reward underscores this administration's whole-of-government approach and unwavering commitment to dismantling the Sinaloa cartel. DEA will not rest until cartel leadership like Ponce Félix is held accountable for the devastation they have caused."
According to Infobae México, Los Rusos have operated as an armed wing of the Sinaloa cartel under the command of El Mayo Zambada for decades. Reports indicate that Los Rusos have expanded their influence along Mexico's Pacific coast, particularly in Baja California and parts of northwestern Sonora.
According to Insight Crime, each faction of the Sinaloa cartel has relied on loyal armed groups to secure and expand its territory. Before the outbreak of the conflict in Sinaloa between "Chapitos" and the "Mayos," Los Chapitos were aligned with groups such as Los Ninis, Los Salazar, Gente Nueva and Los Chimales, while actions loyal to El Mayo included Los Antrax, Los Rusos and others.
Despite maintaining a low profile for years and operating under multiple aliases, Ponce Félix has been wanted by the U.S. government for nearly a decade, with Milenio reporting that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles issued an indictment and arrest warrant in October 2015 on charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to form a criminal organization, violent crimes linked to organized crime, and the distribution and importation of controlled substances.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State has accused Ponce Félix of being involved in public corruption schemes with government officials, local police, and members of Mexico's military. He is allegedly responsible for paying more than $1 million per month in bribes to maintain and expand his drug trafficking empire.
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