Erick Valencia Salazar, also known as El 85, a key figure and one of the founders of the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), will plead guilty in a U.S. federal court. This upcoming court appearance, set for April 7, aims to solidify the details of the plea agreement he has reached with U.S. prosecutors. This step comes amid a significant crackdown on drug trafficking and organized crime, as Mexican authorities have already extradited 29 suspects to the United States recently, including prominent narcos.

This plea agreement marks a significant strategy employed by high-profile drug traffickers seeking to mitigate their sentences by collaborating with U.S. law enforcement. In the past, notable figures in the drug trade, such as Ismael El Mayo Zambada, have utilized similar tactics to gain favorable terms in their legal battles. Ovidio Guzmán, another infamous drug lord and son of Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, has also indicated a willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities, which reflects a broader trend among cartels in adapting their legal strategies in the wake of intensifying law enforcement efforts.

The implications of this guilty plea could extend beyond personal repercussions for El 85. It may provide U.S. authorities with valuable insights into the inner workings of the CJNG and potentially lead to further arrests and dismantling of the cartel's extensive operations. As the U.S. and Mexico continue their collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking, these developments highlight the ongoing challenges presented by powerful cartels in both nations, emphasizing the need for persistent and coordinated responses against organized crime.