Cuban authorities arrested Chinese drug lord Zhi Dong Zhang, AFP reported Wednesday, citing Mexican security sources. Zhang escaped custody in Mexico in July. The United States also wants him.

Links to Major Cartels

Zhang, also known as “Brother Wang,” has ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. He will remain in Cuba while officials decide on extradition.

Escape and Charges

Earlier this year, Zhang fled house arrest in Mexico. He was waiting to be extradited to the US, where he faces money laundering charges. Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch called him “a major international money laundering operator.” He said Zhang helped traffic fentanyl by connecting with other cartels to move the drug from China to Central and South America, Europe, and the US.

Fentanyl Crisis and US Pressure

The US has pressured Mexico and China to combat fentanyl trafficking, especially under former President Donald Trump. Fentanyl is about 50 times stronger than heroin. It is cheap and easy to produce. It now causes more opioid overdoses in the US than heroin or prescription drugs.

Focus on Chinese Suppliers

Mexico is the main source of fentanyl entering the US. But Washington is increasingly targeting Chinese suppliers of precursor chemicals.

Cuba has not yet issued an official statement about Zhang’s arrest.