International Drug Trafficker Arraigned in Brooklyn

zhi dong Zhang, also known as “GG,” “Kun Li Hernandez,” “Chang Li Gong Sun,” “Memo,” “Brother Wang,” “BW,” “Pancho,” “HeHe,” “HaHa,” “Chino,” and “Summor Ownor,” 38, appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky for the Eastern District of New York. He faces a second superseding indictment charging him with international cocaine distribution conspiracy, international cocaine distribution, cocaine importation conspiracy, cocaine and methamphetamine possession and distribution conspiracy, and money laundering crimes. Authorities arrested Zhang in Mexico following extradition requests from the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia, and returned him to the United States on October 23.The judge ordered Zhang to remain detained pending trial. he previously appeared in the southern District of Texas on October 24, where he was arraigned on this indictment and one from the Northern District of Georgia.

the department of Justice has designated Zhang a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT), a status reserved for the world’s most significant narcotics traffickers.

“The defendant stands accused of running a global enterprise that pumped massive quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into our communities and laundered millions in narcotics proceeds,” stated U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd W. Blanche. “His return to the United States is a major step in dismantling a network that has fueled addiction, violence, and death.I’m grateful for the outstanding work of our prosecutors, agents, and international partners who refused to let him hide behind aliases, shell companies, or foreign borders. The Department of Justice will continue to target the world’s most dangerous traffickers, wherever they operate, and bring them to justice.”

“As alleged, the defendant leads one of the most prolific drug trafficking and money laundering organizations globally, importing thousands of kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States and other countries,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “The indictments he faces in the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia will hold him responsible for the harm he has caused.”

“Zhang’s transnational network was intricate, well-coordinated, and well-funded,” explained U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “However, through the dedicated work of law enforcement agencies and cooperation from our international partners, we have shut down Zhang’s poison pipeline. My office will continue to vigorously pursue anyone trafficking illegal narcotics in and through the Northern District of Georgia, regardless of their location.”

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s arrest of Zhi Dong Zhang delivers a decisive blow against the ruthless criminal enterprises responsible for flooding our streets with cocaine, meth and deadly fentanyl,” said Special Agent in Charge ricky J. Patel of HSI New York. “The defendant’s alleged actions on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG have bolstered the operations of transnational criminal organizations responsible for peddling death in nearly every form – fueling an overdose epidemic, spreading violence, and destabilizing communities across the United States.”