NEW YORK, NY – A Chinese national accused of playing a key leadership role in a major narcotics trafficking and money laundering network has been returned to the United States from Mexico to face federal charges.
Zhi Dong Zhang, 38, also known as “Brother Wang,” was arraigned Nov. 19 in the Eastern District of New York on a second superseding indictment that includes charges of international cocaine distribution conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, cocaine and methamphetamine distribution, and multiple money laundering offenses.
Zhang was taken into custody following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operation coordinated by the HSI New York Homeland Security Task Force, HSI Rio Grande Valley, HSI Mexico City, and additional federal partners.
Arrest and Return to the United States
Mexican authorities arrested Zhang after issuing a warrant based on U.S. extradition requests from the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia. He was returned to U.S. custody on Oct. 23, 2025, arriving in Brownsville, Texas, where he was transferred to HSI and ordered detained pending trial.
According to investigators, Zhang is suspected of working with both the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The U.S. Department of Justice has designated him as a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT) – a classification reserved for the highest-level narcotics traffickers operating globally.
Statements From Federal Officials
Zhang’s arrest highlights the global reach of HSI’s investigative efforts and our determination to disrupt the criminal organizations responsible for international drug trafficking and large-scale money laundering,” said Ricardo Mayoral, HSI Assistant Director for International Operations. “Through strong partnerships at home and abroad, we will continue working to dismantle these networks and protect communities worldwide.”
Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York, said the case represents a significant strike against organizations accused of distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and other dangerous narcotics throughout the United States.
Whether operating across borders or from within our own neighborhoods, individuals who support these criminal enterprises should understand that no part of their network is beyond the reach of law enforcement,” Patel said.
Mark Lippa, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Antonio, added that the arrest in Brownsville demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement along the southwest border.
This case sends a clear message: those who attempt to hide behind transnational criminal networks will eventually be found and held accountable.” – Mark Lippa, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Antonio
Background on the Homeland Security Task Force
Zhang’s arrest occurred as part of broader nationwide operations conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a federal initiative designed to improve coordination among agencies investigating transnational criminal organizations. According to DHS, recent HSTF operations have resulted in thousands of arrests involving foreign terrorists, cartel affiliates, gang members, and other individuals linked to international criminal activity.
HSTF operations integrate federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners, as well as intelligence and logistical support from additional national security agencies. The task force focuses on three priority missions:
- Eliminating cartel, gang, and transnational criminal operations inside the United States
- Targeting human smuggling and trafficking networks, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations
- Deploying comprehensive law enforcement tools to investigate and enforce U.S. immigration and criminal laws
Federal officials have stated that the task force’s coordinated model has strengthened the government’s ability to identify and dismantle complex criminal networks operating across borders.
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Zhi Dong Zhang, also known as “Brother Wang” |
| Age | 38 |
| Citizenship | China |
| Alleged Affiliations | Sinaloa Cartel; Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) |
| Charges (Second Superseding Indictment) | – International cocaine distribution conspiracy – International cocaine distribution – Cocaine importation conspiracy – Cocaine and methamphetamine possession and distribution conspiracy – Money laundering offenses |
| Arrest Location | Mexico, pursuant to a Mexican arrest warrant based on U.S. extradition requests |
| Return to U.S. | October 23, 2025, via Brownsville, Texas |
| Court Appearance | Arraigned Nov. 19, 2025, Eastern District of New York |
| Detention Status | Ordered detained pending trial |
| Investigating Agencies | – HSI New York Homeland Security Task Force – HSI Rio Grande Valley HSTF – HSI Mexico City – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Additional federal partners |
| Designation | U.S. Department of Justice CPOT (Consolidated Priority Organization Target) |
| Alleged Criminal Scope | Large-scale narcotics trafficking (cocaine, methamphetamine) and money laundering across Mexico and the United States |
| Task Force Context | Arrest occurred during national operations conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations |
| Notable Statements | Officials emphasized international cooperation, disruption of cartel-supported networks, and the strategic importance of targeting global drug-trafficking leadership. |
