The person at the center of this case
Esteban Sinhue Mercado (fugitive suspect)
Cold Case · Open
2 years waiting · since 2024
ESTEBAN SINHUE MERCADO
Justice for Esteban Sinhue Mercado (fugitive suspect) — the trail went cold in 2024, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Mercado's current location and why has he evaded capture since January 2024?
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evidence
Lead #2What specific drug trafficking routes and methods were used to move cocaine from Mexico through Los Angeles to Canada?
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location
Lead #3Why does Mercado have ties to San Jacinto, California, and who are his known associates in that area?
Esteban Sinhue Mercado is a fugitive wanted by federal authorities for his alleged role in a major drug trafficking conspiracy that moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles to Canada and across the United States. A federal arrest warrant was issued on January 4, 2024, in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Mercado remains at large and may be hiding in or visiting San Jacinto, California, with possible changes to his appearance including long hair and braces.
Case
#1170
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. District Court, Central 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.
💡
clue
Lead #4How reliable are reports of Mercado having long hair and braces—are these recent physical changes or identifying features?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances Caution: Esteban Sinhue Mercado is wanted for his alleged role in conspiring to traffic and import hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles, California, for export to Canada or re-distribution throughout the United States. On January 4, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Mercado in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Los Angeles, California, after he was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances.
Remarks: Mercado has ties to or may visit San Jacinto, California. He may have long hair now and also has braces on his teeth.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2024-01-04
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
Esteban Sinhue Mercado charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, and Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances in U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 4, 2024
Last Updated:May 10, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 4, 2024
Last Updated:May 10, 2026