The person at the center of this case
Carlos Alberto Paez Pereda (fugitive subject)
Cold Case · Open
195 days waiting
CARLOS ALBERTO PAEZ PEREDA
Justice for Carlos Alberto Paez Pereda (fugitive subject) — the trail went cold in 2026, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Paez Pereda's current location and who comprises his armed network of fighters and hitmen?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2How extensive is the drug manufacturing and distribution network he operates for the Mayo Zambada faction?
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vehicle
Lead #3What transportation routes and methods does he use to move drugs from Sinaloa to Tijuana and into the United States?
Carlos Alberto Paez Pereda, a high-ranking lieutenant of the Sinaloa Cartel's violent "Los Rugrats" faction, is wanted for trafficking massive quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. Federal charges include narcoterrorism, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and money laundering conspiracy, with a warrant issued March 27, 2026. He remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous; anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI.
Case
#2850
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court for the Southern District of California
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Who are the key distributors and money launderers in the Southern District of California connected to his operation?
💡
clue
Lead #5Can the crown tattoo on his right upper arm and tree tattoo on his back help identify him in surveillance or witness accounts?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
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; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering 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.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2026-03-27
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
United States District Court for the Southern District of California issued a federal arrest warrant for Carlos Alberto Paez Pereda after charges were filed for narcoterrorism, material support to foreign terrorist organization, and drug trafficking conspiracy.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:March 27, 2026
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:March 27, 2026
Last Updated:September 26, 2026