Jesús Ricardo Patrón Sánchez, alias "H-3", was captured in Mexico in February 2019 and, after being in custody for almost six years, was finally extradited to the United States on February 21, 2025. His arrest and subsequent handover are part of the bilateral agreements between both countries to combat organized crime.

The H-2 Cartel operated by sending heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl to the U.S. It is presumed that "H-3" directed these operations with a distribution network that reached several U.S. cities, which drew the attention of the DEA and other security agencies.

Since his capture, intelligence reports have indicated that the structure of the H-2 Cartel might be in the process of reorganizing. There are reports that new leaders have emerged to fill the space left by Patrón Sánchez, which could mean a shift in the balance of organized crime in Mexico.

How did the H-2 Cartel operate?

The H-2 Cartel was formed after the fragmentation of the Beltrán Leyva group and consolidated as one of the most violent factions in Mexico.

According to investigations, the H-2 Cartel had connections with drug producers in South America and traffickers in the U.S., which allowed it to move large quantities of illicit substances undetected. They used maritime and land routes to smuggle drugs into the U.S., mainly through Tijuana and Nuevo Laredo.

In addition to drug trafficking, the H-2 Cartel engaged in extortion, kidnapping, and fuel theft, providing them with multiple sources of income. It is estimated that under "H-3"'s leadership, the organization managed millions of dollars monthly.

The charges against him

The Federal Court in Brooklyn filed a series of formal charges against "H-3", including:

• Conspiracy to traffic large-scale drugs into the United States.
• Money laundering through companies and international transfers.
• Use of firearms to protect their illicit operations and eliminate rivals.
• Corruption of officials to ensure the safety of their organization and avoid capture.
• Association with international criminal groups to facilitate drug and arms trafficking.

U.S. authorities also accuse him of having coordinated the shipment of more than 10 tons of drugs in the last five years, using sophisticated methods to conceal the shipments.

Additionally, his financial structure included shell companies in Mexico and the U.S., used to launder millions of dollars from drug trafficking. Investments have been identified in real estate, transportation, and the entertainment industry.

Connections and expansion of the H-2 Cartel

The H-2 Cartel maintained strategic alliances with organizations in Central and South America, including Colombian cartels and gangs in El Salvador and Honduras.

In the last few years, the DEA identified an increase in the use of technology by the H-2 Cartel, including the use of cryptocurrencies to move money undetected and the use of drones to transport drugs across the U.S. border.