Érick Valencia Salazar

Érick Valencia Salazar (; born 11 March 1977 or 19 November 1982), commonly referred to by his alias El 85, is a former Mexican drug lord and high-ranking leader of the CJNG.

Arrest and aftermath Around 1:00 p.m. on 9 March 2012, the Army carried out an operation in the Lomas Altas neighborhood in Zapopan, Jalisco, They were previously reported as co-founders of the cartel in 2018 as well. Sánchez previously murdered a CJNG financier and after Oseguera attempted to retaliate with a failed hit on Sánchez, the Nueva Cartel retaliated by successfully murdering the leader of the CJNG's hit squad. Sánchez was later murdered, with his body being discovered stabbed and wrapped in plastic on a park bench in downtown Tlaquepaque on March 18, 2021. Sánchez was later presumed to be the head of the Nuevo Plaza Cartel at the time of his death.

Renewed criminal charges On 3 May 2018, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia indicted Valencia for his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking. According to court files under federal judge James E. Boasberg, Valencia participated in the distribution of or more of cocaine from Mexico and elsewhere for illegal importation into the U.S. from 2003 to 2018. If convicted, the indicted states that Valencia would have to forfeit the proceeds he made from the violation. This indictment against Valencia was unsealed on 9 August 2018. Following his arrest, Valancia was granted an Amparo against his immediate extradition to the United States.

Extradition to the United States

On 27 February 2025, Valencia along with 28 other narco figures were extradited to the United States.

April 2026 guilty plea On 7 April 2026, Valencia pled guilty in a federal court in Washington D.C. to one count of federal drug trafficking conspiracy. Under U.S. federal law, Valencia must serve at least ten years in prison for this charge, with the charge also carrying a maximum life sentence.