Jaime Gonzalez-Duran, a key figure in the Los Zetas cartel, pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs to the U.S., the DOJ said Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (DEA)
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A high-ranking member of the Los Zetas cartel pleaded guilty Friday to charges of conspiring to manufacture and distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana intended for the United States, the Department of Justice said.
Jaime Gonzalez-Duran, also known as Hummer, 49, admitted to his role in the violent organization.
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He was a founding member of Los Zetas, which initially served as the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel before evolving into an independent drug trafficking group.
Gonzalez-Duran held several leadership positions, including plaza boss in Miguel Aleman, Mexico, and regional commander in Nuevo Laredo, Miguel Aleman, and Reynosa.
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He oversaw drug operations, bribed law enforcement, and engaged in violent actions against rival groups, prosecutors said.
Court documents reveal that Gonzalez-Duran was responsible for the importation of over 450 kilograms of cocaine and 90,000 kilograms of marijuana into the U.S.
He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, the DOJ said.
Sentencing is set for June 6.
See the full DOJ news release here.
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