Officials described United Cartels, based in the western Mexican state of Michoacán, as one of the “most prolific” methamphetamine producers in the country.

The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday charged five high-ranking members of the Carteles Unidos drug gang, known in English as United Cartels, while the Treasury Department announced it was imposing sanctions on the group.

Officials described United Cartels, an organization based in the western Mexican state of Michoacán, as one of the “most prolific” methamphetamine producers in the country.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti for the DOJ said the investigation "involved extraordinary policework by our partners, some of whom came under fire in a brazen shootout." “Today’s charges are designed to dismantle the United Cartels and bring their leaders to justice for unleashing death and destruction on American citizens,