Carlos Alberto Guerrero Mercado, alias “El Químico”—one of 37 alleged organized crime members transferred from Mexico to the United States in January 2026—died last April after being found unconscious in his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
According to U.S. court documents, the inmate lost consciousness on April 18 and was discovered by prison staff inside his cell. Following the discovery, authorities activated emergency protocols and transported him to a hospital.
Records indicate that Guerrero Mercado remained hospitalized for ten days; however, he ultimately passed away due to a heart condition.
“El Químico’s” death comes just months after he was sent to the United States as part of the third mass transfer operation involving alleged Mexican criminals wanted by U.S. authorities for drug trafficking and organized crime offenses.
Alberto Guerrero Mercado was part of the group of 37 individuals transferred from Mexico to U.S. territory in January of this year, in an operation coordinated between both governments.
Also on that flight were other alleged organized crime members—including Pedro Inzunza Noriega, alias “El Sagitario,” and Juan Pablo Bastidas Erenas, alias “El Payo”—who are likewise wanted by U.S. authorities.
