TWO HIGH RANKING MEMBERS OF THE UNITED CARTELS CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING, PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT TO A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, AND FIREARMS OFFENSES AS PART OF HOMELAND SECURITY TASK FORCE (HSTF) INITIATIVE

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division issued the following news release:

Note: Please see a copy of the indictmenthere.

A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday against Juan Jose "Juanjo" Farias Mendoza, 31, and Israel "Papo" Vega Farias, 37, both of Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico, and high-ranking members of the United Cartels.

The Michoacan-based United Cartels is one of the world's most significant methamphetamine producers, capable of manufacturing multiple tons every month. The organization controls a distribution network that spans the United States, with hubs in Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Kansas City, Missouri; Sacramento, California; Los Angeles; Denver; ...