US authorities have put out a $5 million reward to capture a prominent figure from the Sinaloa Cartel. René Arzate-García, alias ‘La Rana,’ is facing charges related to narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering associated with the infamous Mexican cartel. The US Justice Department recently unveiled an updated indictment against Arzate-García, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) teaming up with the Justice and State Departments to offer rewards of up to $5 million for any information leading to the capture or conviction of ‘La Rana’ and his brother Alfonso ‘Aquiles’ Arzate-García.
Arzate-García, born in 1983, reportedly began his criminal endeavors in Tijuana, Baja California, as a young individual and eventually climbed the ranks to become the plaza boss for the Sinaloa Cartel in the state.
He is known to have a daughter with Valeria Rubí Quiroz, also recognized as ‘La Gringuita,’ who previously had a connection with Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Quiroz shared details of her past relationship with Arzate-García in a podcast, mentioning their meeting in Culiacán, Sinaloa, following her involvement with ‘El Chapo.’ She described Arzate-García as her true love and talked about their daughter, Mía Ener, whose name is derived from reversing “René.”
Their relationship faced turmoil after Quiroz was erroneously linked to boxer Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez by a magazine, leading to a strain between her and Arzate-García, resulting in their parting ways.
Despite losing contact with Arzate-García, Quiroz hopes that one day their daughter will have the chance to meet him. The Arzate-García brothers were initially indicted in the Southern District of California in 2014, and their current whereabouts are unknown.
This recent indictment is part of the Trump administration’s continued efforts to combat drug cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel remains a major player in the global drug trade, specializing in the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, as per the DEA.
In a significant event, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was reportedly killed last month in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico. Authorities tracked one of Cervantes’ partners to his hiding place, where a confrontation ensued resulting in casualties on both sides.
Following the operation, more than 60 individuals, including security personnel and cartel members, lost their lives in the ensuing violence, marking a tragic turn of events.
