CARLOS ALBERTO PAEZ PEREDA

Caution

Carlos Alberto Paez Pereda is wanted for allegedly trafficking large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico as a high-ranking lieutenant and leader of a violent wing of the Sinaloa Cartel called “Los Rugrats.” Paez Pareda allegedly operates a prolific manufacturing and distribution network for the Mayo Zambada faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and enforces the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations in Sinaloa and Tijuana through murder, kidnappings, and other violent activity, using a group of armed fighters and hitmen. He allegedly manages and controls a portion of the Sinaloa Cartel’s transportation operations from Sinaloa to Tijuana, and the surrounding municipalities, ultimately leading to the importation of these drugs into the United States and their distribution in the Southern District of California and elsewhere.

On March 27, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego, California, after Paez Pereda was charged with Narcoterrorism; Providing Material Support to Foreign Terrorist Organization; Conducting a Continuing Criminal Enterprise; International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances; and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.