West Coast Most Wanted Drug Organization Leader Arrested

San Juan, PR – A wanted fugitive on the island's West Coast Region was apprehended at approximately 1 p.m. today in Urbanization Vega Dorada, Vega Alta, by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Police Department. 

Jonathan Martinez-Gonzalez aka “La J” was caught with narcotics and weapons alongside another individual.

Martinez-Gonzalez has been identified as the leader of a violent criminal drug organization that controlled territory from the municipalities of Manati to Aguadilla and from Aguadilla to Cabo Rojo. Although the name of the organization is unknown, more than 25 homicides are allegedly connected to it.

Martinez-Gonzalez was wanted for a probation violation warrant issued on March 16, 2021. He had previously been charged by the FBI on Feb. 24, 2014, and had been convicted of a robbery that interfered with interstate commerce, using and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

“Violent crime poses a significant threat to the public’s safety in Puerto Rico,” said Wilmer Ocasio, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico. “Martinez-Gonzalez, aka "La J" has been identified as a leader of a criminal enterprise associated with drug trafficking in the West Region of Puerto Rico. With this arrest we continue to send a message to fugitives who believe they can evade justice and terrorize our communities, that our deputies are on the street alongside our state and federal law enforcement partner agencies. The question is not when or where we are going to capture them, it is a matter of time, and we will catch them and bring them to justice."