Chinese Fugitive Narco Kingpin Recaptured in Cuba After Mexico Escape

Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese national accused by U.S. authorities of trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine, was recaptured in Cuba after escaping house arrest in Mexico through a tunnel. Known by aliases such as "Brother Wang" and "Mr Haha," Zhang allegedly supplied Mexico's powerful Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation drug cartels with chemicals from China to produce fentanyl, and managed a vast international drug and money laundering network. Initially detained in Mexico City in October 2024 following a U.S. indictment, he was granted house arrest but escaped in July 2025, prompting an international manhunt. After fleeing Mexico, Zhang traveled to Cuba and Russia, where he was detained for illegal entry before being deported back to Cuba. The arrest comes amid increased U.S. pressure under President Trump on Mexico to combat drug cartels and curb fentanyl smuggling. Discussions are ongoing regarding Zhang's extradition to Mexico, as his case remains central to global efforts against drug trafficking.