U.S. Intelligence Aids in Arrest of Cartel-Linked Trafficker
Officials announced Wednesday that a U.S. intelligence agency played a crucial role in the arrest of Martha Alicia Mendes Aguilar, known as “Radiabra,” who allegedly masterminded a baby trafficking and organ collection operation linked to drug cartels.
The agency provided intelligence that facilitated the capture of Aguilar, whose network reportedly lured pregnant women to isolated locations, forced caesarean sections, harvested their organs, and sold the babies to couples in the U.S. for sums reaching up to 250,000 pesos, or roughly $14,000.
NCTC director Joe Kent commented, “This serves as an example of how terrorist cartels diversify their revenue sources.” He noted that the NCTC developed a detailed analysis that helped locate Aguilar, enabling both U.S. and Mexican law enforcement to take action.
Aguilar, a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was apprehended on September 2nd in Juarez, Mexico. The operation involved collaboration with Mexican law enforcement and the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Women.
Kent emphasized the NCTC’s commitment to disrupting cartel operations, stating that the lives of innocent women and children were at stake.
Since taking office again, President Donald Trump has intensified efforts against cartels. On his first day, he signed a directive instructing the State Department to classify certain cartels and cross-border gangs as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). By February 20th, the State Department formally labeled groups like CJNG and MS-13 as FTOs.
According to statements, the NCTC is applying two decades of counterterrorism experience to assist law enforcement in targeting FTO-affiliated cartels that employ violent tactics and destabilize communities.
Additionally, U.S. military operations recently intercepted a cartel boat loaded with over 2,000 pounds of cocaine, marking the third significant action this month against drug trafficking vessels within U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction.
