US authorities have filed charges of narco-terrorism and providing material support to terrorism against Carlos Páez Pereda—alias “Carlitos” or “Carlitos Rugrats”—identified as the alleged leader of the “Los Rugrats” cell, which is linked to the “Los Mayos” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday.
The indictment, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of California, alleges that Páez Pereda led a network dedicated to manufacturing and trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States. He also allegedly directed an armed group responsible for murders, kidnappings, and other acts of violence intended to protect the cartel’s operations.
According to the DOJ, the alleged operative also provided fighters, weapons, logistical resources, and funding to Los Mayos during their conflict with the “Los Chapitos” faction. Authorities stated that, over the past decade, he smuggled tens of thousands of kilograms of drugs into the United States and laundered hundreds of millions of dollars in drug-trafficking proceeds.
Federal Prosecutor Adam Gordon stated that the indictment reflects the strategy of targeting members of criminal organizations designated as terrorist groups. Meanwhile, the FBI, DEA, and Department of Homeland Security indicated that investigations to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel’s structures would continue.
Páez Pereda faces charges of narco-terrorism, providing material support to terrorism, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, and money laundering.
If convicted, he could face life imprisonment. The accused remains at large and, under US law, is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
