Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has announced the unsealing of an indictment and a multimillion-dollar reward for information on the leader of a Sinaloa Cartel-linked gang, as it cracks down on the infamous narcotics trafficking organization.
Federal law enforcement accuses Juan Jose Ponce Felix, also known as El Ruso, of being the leader of Los Rusos, a Mexican gang controlling the Mexicali drug trafficking corridor and a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
"Ponce Felix's organization directly manages the distribution of millions of dollars' worth of narcotics, particularly cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, from Mexico to the U.S.," the Drug Enforcement Administration said in a statement, adding with proceeds sent back to Mexico.
$5 Million reward offer! If you have any info that can lead to the arrest & conviction of Juan José Ponce Félix "El Ruso," we urge you to call or email a new tip line. https://t.co/YHhKxyQuIV pic.twitter.com/8kXzoISuaG— DEALosAngeles (@DEALOSANGELES) September 16, 2025
According to the State Department, Felix is not only the leader of Los Rusos, but its founder as the primary armed wing of La Mayiza, a powerful faction of the U.S.-designated Sinaloa Cartel.
