Juan Gerardo Trevino-Chavez, also known as Huevo, pleaded guilty today to 15 counts connected to his role in drug trafficking operations across Mexico and the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced that Trevino-Chavez, 42, is the leader of the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a successor to the notorious Los Zetas Cartel.
Trevino-Chavez admitted to a range of charges, including conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as money laundering, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and using minors in drug operations. His guilty plea covers 11 charges in the Western District of Texas, and four additional counts in an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Texas.
Extensive Criminal Enterprise
The charges reveal the extent of Trevino-Chavez’s criminal enterprise, including his involvement in smuggling goods from the U.S., running a continuing criminal enterprise, and trafficking significant amounts of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office described the case as a significant victory in the fight against international drug trafficking and organized crime.
Trevino-Chavez faces a potential life sentence when he is sentenced in May 2025. The investigation into his criminal activities was led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which employs a multi-agency approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
Crackdown on High-Level Drug Traffickers
The case against Trevino-Chavez highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt high-level drug traffickers and money launderers. OCDETF’s intelligence-driven approach has been instrumental in identifying and targeting cartel leaders and criminal networks that pose a threat to the U.S.
Trevino-Chavez’s guilty plea marks a significant step in dismantling the Cartel del Noreste and its operations.