Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On Wednesday (November 19), the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, New York, arraigned Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese fentanyl lord considered by the U.S. Department of Justice to be one of the world's most notorious drug traffickers. The Department of Justice stated that Zhang is charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally, conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine (ice), and money laundering. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
Zhang, 38, is a Chinese citizen and uses several aliases, including "Brother Wang." A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday stated that Zhang is suspected of leading a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating in Mexico and the United States. The Department of Justice has designated him as a Key Target for Drug Trafficking and Intervention (CPOT). CPOT targets typically the world's most notorious drug traffickers.
Zhang Zhidong, arrested in Mexico, was extradited to the United States on October 23, 2025, after extradition requests were filed in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia. He was subsequently ordered to remain in custody pending trial. He made his first court appearance in the Southern District of Texas on October 24, 2025.
According to court documents, since June 2016, Zhang Zhidong's drug smuggling and money laundering ring has smuggled thousands of kilograms of drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States and other countries. Law enforcement has seized drugs linked to the defendant organization on multiple occasions, including 46 kilograms of cocaine, 58 kilograms of methamphetamine, and nearly 7 kilograms of fentanyl. In addition, Zhang Zhidong and members of his organization laundered millions of dollars in drug sales proceeds by establishing and using shell companies in the United States. Law enforcement has identified more than 100 shell companies linked to Zhang Zhidong's organization, which were used to launder at least $77 million in drug profits.
If convicted, Zhang Zhidong could face life imprisonment. However, local media in the United States reported that Zhang Zhidong pleaded not guilty to all charges during his court appearance on Wednesday. His lawyer declined to comment after the hearing.
US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York said on Wednesday, "The indictments he (Zhang Zhidong) faces in the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia will hold him accountable for the enormous harm he caused."
US Deputy Attorney General Todd W. Blanche stated, "His (Zhang Zhidong's) extradition to the United States is an important step in dismantling a network that fueled drug addiction, violence, and death."
US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia said that although Zhang Zhidong's transnational drug trafficking network was allegedly complex, well-organized, and well-funded, his drug trafficking routes have been severed through the excellent work of diligent law enforcement agencies and cooperation with international partners.
According to a Department of Justice press release, the charges in the indictment are charges only, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
