United States authorities identified Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias "El 03", as the alleged new leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", according to information released by the US Treasury Department.

According to the United States government, Valencia González assumed control of the criminal organization after the death of Oseguera Cervantes.

As part of this update, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced new sanctions against members and financial operators allegedly linked to the CJNG.

In addition, the State Department launched a $5 million reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the new leader of the CJNG.

According to the US authorities, Juan Carlos Valencia is the son of Rosalinda González Valencia, ex-wife of Oseguera Cervantes, which is why he is known as Mencho's stepson.

The Treasury Department points out that “El 03” has been previously identified as one of the most trusted operators within the CJNG and that he would have participated in activities related to international drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamines, as well as money laundering operations.

The sanctions announced by Washington include the freezing of assets and interests under US jurisdiction and prohibit citizens and companies from that country from carrying out transactions with the people and entities included on the list.

The US government also sanctioned other alleged collaborators of the CJNG, considering that they continue to facilitate the financial and logistical operations of the criminal organization.

So far, the Mexican government has not issued an official position confirming the US version about a change in the leadership of the CJNG or about the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.

The update is part of the United States' strategy to increase financial pressure on criminal organizations accused of trafficking fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into its territory.