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Two Men Charged in U.S. with Leading CJNG Drug Trafficking and Firearms Conspiracy

Ramon and Rafael Alvarez Ayala face charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking; they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 26, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ETWritten Aug 28, 2026, 7:56 a.m. ET
On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against Ramon Alvarez Ayala, 44, and Rafael Alvarez Ayala, 42, in the . According to a statement from justice.gov, the two are with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for importation into the United States, and with possessing a firearm, including a machinegun, in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense. The government alleges that the defendants were regional commanders for the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in Michoacán, Mexico, and conspired to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for importation into the United States from 2004 through December 2023. They are also alleged to have used, carried, brandished, and discharged a firearm, including a machinegun, in relation to the conspiracy. The charges carry . The investigation is being conducted by the DEA. These charges are only allegations at this stage, and the case has not been decided by a court.

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  1. Version 128 Aug 2026, 11:56current

    First published.

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