Zetas Cartel Leaders Charged with Drug Trafficking, Murder in U.S.

Brothers Miguel and Omar Trevino Morales, known as 'Z-40' and 'Z-42', were arraigned in a Washington, D.C. court on multiple charges including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and money laundering, linked to their leadership roles in the Los Zetas cartel, now rebranded as Cartel del Noreste (CDN). The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that despite their arrests in 2013 and 2015, they continued to control the cartel and were responsible for numerous violent crimes, including murder conspiracies. The cartel was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department earlier this year due to its extreme brutality. If convicted, the brothers face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Their arraignment reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to combat international drug trafficking amidst increased pressure from the U.S. government. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and remain in federal custody as they await trial.