Justice Department indictments have been unsealed against three leaders and two high-ranking enforcers of Mexico's United Cartels. It's the latest U.S. move against major Mexican drug operations. AP

WASHINGTON — The investigation began years ago after two drug dealers got into a car accident in a small Tennessee town. What followed was a series of secret wiretaps, a shootout with police and the discovery of drugs hidden in a tractor-trailer that would eventually lead federal investigators back to cartel leaders in Mexico.

The investigation culminated with Justice Department indictments unsealed Thursday against three leaders and two high-ranking enforcers of the United Cartels, a leading rival of Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The U.S. government is offering a reward of up to $10 mil

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