DEA continues search for assets linked to Genaro García Luna

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced it will continue efforts to locate and seize assets linked to Genaro García Luna, the former Mexican Secretary of Public Security. This follows the recent recovery of approximately $5.8 million by the Mexican government, stemming from a civil lawsuit in Florida involving the Weinberg family.

DEA official Terrance Cole stated that the agency has pending judicial rulings and independent investigations aimed at recovering further assets derived from García Luna’s corrupt activities. Cole emphasized that institutional corruption remains a primary tool for drug cartels to protect their operations and gain intelligence.

García Luna was sentenced in 2024 to over 38 years in prison after being convicted on five counts, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and participating in a criminal enterprise. Prosecutors proved he accepted millions of dollars from the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate drug trafficking and provide information on law enforcement operations. Mexican authorities, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, noted that investigations continue to uncover further potential funds linked to fraud and money laundering committed during his tenure.