$5 Million Reward in the International Search for Juan Jose Esparragoza-Moreno

Major U.S. Reward

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading directly to the arrest and/or conviction of Juan Jose Esparragoza-Moreno. The reward is offered through the Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program and remains connected with the U.S. government’s efforts to locate individuals accused of major international drug-trafficking activity. Esparragoza-Moreno is wanted in connection with an organization allegedly responsible for importing large quantities of marijuana into the United States.

Drug Trafficking Organization

According to the FBI, Esparragoza-Moreno led a drug-trafficking organization allegedly responsible for importing more than 14 tons of marijuana into the United States. The quantity attributed to the organization places the case within a large-scale international narcotics investigation rather than an isolated trafficking offense. U.S. authorities have continued seeking information concerning Esparragoza-Moreno and the organization associated with him.

The investigation focuses on Esparragoza-Moreno’s alleged leadership of the trafficking organization and its movement of narcotics into the United States. Authorities remain interested in information concerning his associates, activities, movements, and connections with individuals involved in international narcotics trafficking. Information from individuals outside the United States may also be relevant to the continuing search.

More Than 14 Tons of Marijuana

The organization allegedly led by Esparragoza-Moreno is accused of importing more than 14 tons of marijuana into the United States. Moving narcotics on that scale would require an extensive trafficking operation involving multiple individuals and resources. Authorities have therefore focused not only on Esparragoza-Moreno but also on information capable of identifying the wider network associated with the organization.

The amount of marijuana attributed to the operation illustrates the scale of the alleged trafficking activity. Investigators remain interested in individuals who may have knowledge concerning the organization, its leadership, or its activities. Information concerning past associates may remain relevant even if the contact occurred years ago.

Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation

Esparragoza-Moreno was placed on the White House Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act list in 2003. The designation identified him as a significant figure in international narcotics trafficking and subjected him to measures associated with the U.S. government’s efforts against major foreign drug traffickers. His designation occurred as authorities continued investigating the organization allegedly operating under his leadership.

The Kingpin designation represents a separate federal action from the reward being offered for information leading to his arrest or conviction. Together, these measures demonstrate the sustained interest of U.S. authorities in locating Esparragoza-Moreno. His case has remained part of international efforts targeting major narcotics-trafficking organizations.

Appearance May Have Changed

Authorities believe Esparragoza-Moreno may have undergone plastic surgery. This means his current appearance could differ significantly from photographs previously released to the public. Individuals who believe they have encountered him should therefore consider official identifying information beyond facial appearance alone.

The possibility of an altered appearance can complicate efforts to identify a long-term fugitive. Authorities remain interested in reliable information concerning his whereabouts, associates, movements, or activities. Members of the public should not attempt to approach or detain him themselves.

International Search

The alleged importation of narcotics into the United States makes the investigation inherently international. Individuals with knowledge of Esparragoza-Moreno’s travel, residences, associates, or trafficking connections may possess information capable of assisting authorities. Investigators may also be interested in individuals who previously worked with or maintained contact with members of his organization.

The substantial reward provides an additional incentive for individuals with significant information to contact authorities. Information must lead directly to Esparragoza-Moreno’s arrest and/or conviction to potentially qualify under the terms described by the Narcotics Rewards Program. Reward determinations are made by the appropriate U.S. government authorities.

Information Sought Worldwide

Anyone with information concerning Juan Jose Esparragoza-Moreno, his whereabouts, associates, movements, or alleged drug-trafficking activities is encouraged to contact appropriate law-enforcement authorities. Information leading directly to his arrest and/or conviction may qualify for a reward of up to $5 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program. Individuals should not attempt to approach or confront him and should instead provide relevant information directly to authorities.