US Offers $10 Million for Capture of Sinaloa Cartel Leaders in Tijuana

Authorities seek information on brothers Rene Arzate Garcia and Alfonso Arzate Garcia, identified as key figures in the cartel's operations at the US-Mexico border

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The U.S. State Department has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrests or convictions of two brothers, Rene Arzate Garcia and Alfonso Arzate Garcia, who are identified as leaders of the Sinaloa cartel's operations in Tijuana, Mexico. The brothers are accused of controlling a critical drug trafficking route at the U.S. border and maintaining the cartel's dominance over rival organizations.

Why it matters

The Sinaloa cartel has long been one of the most powerful and influential drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, with a stronghold in the Tijuana region that serves as a key entry point for drugs into the United States. The capture of the Arzate-Garcia brothers could disrupt the cartel's operations and power structure along the border.

The details

Rene Arzate Garcia, 42, known as 'La Rana' ('The Frog'), and Alfonso Arzate Garcia, 52, known as 'Aquiles' ('Achilles'), have been indicted on charges of drug conspiracy, narcoterrorism, and material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. is offering $5 million each for information leading to their arrests or convictions.

  • The reward offer was announced on February 27, 2026.

The players

Rene Arzate Garcia

A 42-year-old man identified as a leader of the Sinaloa cartel's operations in Tijuana, Mexico. He is known by the nickname 'La Rana' ('The Frog').

Alfonso Arzate Garcia

A 52-year-old man identified as a leader of the Sinaloa cartel's operations in Tijuana, Mexico. He is known by the nickname 'Aquiles' ('Achilles').

Sinaloa Cartel

One of the most powerful and influential drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, with a stronghold in the Tijuana region that serves as a key entry point for drugs into the United States.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Rene Arzate Garcia to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. and Mexican authorities to disrupt the power and influence of the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most dominant and dangerous criminal organizations operating along the U.S.-Mexico border.