Servando Gomez-Martinez, known as “La Tuta,” was taken into U.S. custody from Mexico on August 12, 2025, and faces charges of conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Gomez-Martinez is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo.
“As alleged, Servando Gomez-Martinez was a leader, enforcer, drug trafficker, weapons supplier, and public spokesman for the violent drug trafficking organization, La Familia Michoacana, based in Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “La Familia Michoacana imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico and engaged in extensive violence in furtherance of its drug trafficking activities, including against those Mexican law enforcement officials who stood in its way. This Office and our partners in the DEA are committed to bankrupting the cartels and bringing their leaders to justice.”
“The expulsion of Servando Gomez-Martinez marks a significant step in our fight against the world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino. “For years, Gomez-Martinez allegedly fueled the cocaine and methamphetamine trade that devastated communities across the United States, and the DEA remains committed to bringing such ruthless cartel leaders to justice.”
According to court documents, Gomez-Martinez served as operational chief for La Familia Michoacana (LFM), a drug trafficking organization based in Michoacan state that controlled manufacturing and distribution operations as well as a major port used for shipments into the United States. LFM forbade methamphetamine sales within its territory but exported it exclusively to U.S. markets.
Under his leadership LFM used violence—including assault, murder, and kidnapping—to further narcotics trafficking activities. In July 2009 following discovery of 12 murdered Mexican federal police officers believed killed by LFM members in Michoacan, Gomez-Martinez gave a televised statement admitting membership in LFM and describing control over Lazaro Cardenas port city while acknowledging ongoing conflict with Mexican authorities.
Gomez-Martinez was transferred under Mexico’s National Security law as one among more than two dozen fugitives facing various federal or state charges across America related not only to drug-trafficking but also crimes like hostage-taking or money laundering.
Gomez-Martinez is charged with conspiracy to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States—a crime carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment with a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment if convicted; sentencing will be determined by judicial discretion.
U.S. Attorney Clayton recognized investigative work by multiple DEA field divisions alongside assistance from other Justice Department offices as well as cooperation from Mexican authorities.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel G. Nessim, Henry L. Ross, and Kyle A. Wirshba from the National Security and International Narcotics Unit.
Authorities emphasize that all allegations remain accusations at this stage; Gomez-Martinez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
