In a major blow to the notorious Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a California man and co-founder of the cartel pleaded guilty to federal narcotics charges. Erick Valencia-Salazar, also known as “El 85,” a 49-year-old resident of Santa Clara, California, admitted to his role in the CJNG’s brutal operations.
According to court documents, Valencia-Salazar was a key player in the CJNG’s recruitment efforts, bringing in new members to the organization. He also used intelligence on rival cartels to identify and eliminate CJNG’s enemies, solidifying the cartel’s grip on Mexico’s drug trade. Furthermore, Valencia-Salazar conspired to smuggle thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States for the CJNG.
Before joining forces with CJNG, Valencia-Salazar was a member of the Milenio Cartel, another Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. During his time with the Milenio Cartel, he distributed firearms, including AK-47 and AR-15 rifles, to the cartel’s hitmen, known as “sicarios.” This support enabled the Milenio Cartel to send massive shipments of cocaine into the country.
Valencia-Salazar’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to dismantle the CJNG. The cartel’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department in February 2025 has led to increased scrutiny and pressure on its leaders.
The case against Valencia-Salazar is a stark reminder of the CJNG’s reach and influence in the United States. As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to uncover more details about the cartel’s operations and the individuals involved.
Valencia-Salazar’s sentencing date has not been announced, but his guilty plea is a significant step towards bringing him to justice for his role in the CJNG’s crimes.
Source: Department of Justice
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