State Department Offers $15 Million in Rewards for MS-13 Leaders

Why it matters locally: While not directly targeting Louisiana, the federal initiative to disrupt transnational criminal organizations like MS-13, which are involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities, has broader implications for border security and the flow of illegal narcotics that can impact communities nationwide, including those in Louisiana.

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The State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs announced reward offers on June 18 for two senior members of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, known as "Porky," carries a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction. Víctor Eduardo Morales Zelaya, known as "Cuervo," has a $5 million reward attached to his name. The two men rank as the highest-level MS-13 operatives in Honduras, according to court documents. Federal prosecutors allege that Archaga Carías and Morales Zelaya direct MS-13's criminal operations, which encompass drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, and murder. Court filings also charge them with overseeing the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Neither man has been apprehended. Archaga Carías appears on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. He also ranks among the most wanted targets for the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. The State Department authorized the rewards under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, or TOCRP, which funds law enforcement efforts to disrupt criminal organizations across borders. The reward announcement falls under the Homeland Security Task Force, established by Executive Order 14159 to target criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and human trafficking networks. The Trump Administration designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization in 2025. The FBI accepts tips by phone at +1 832-267-1688 through WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram. People outside the United States may contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Those within the country can reach their local FBI field office. The State Department maintains strict confidentiality for all sources providing information. Government employees and officials cannot claim rewards for information related to their official duties.