The person at the center of this case
Drug trafficking conspiracy victims / Public safety
Cold Case · Open
2 years waiting · since 2024
ESTEBAN SINHUE MERCADO
Justice for Drug trafficking conspiracy victims / Public safety — 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 who are his known associates in the trafficking network?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific routes and methods were used to transport cocaine from Mexico through Los Angeles to Canada?
📍
location
Lead #3Why does Mercado have ties to San Jacinto, California, and who might be harboring him there?
Esteban Sinhue Mercado is wanted by the FBI for his alleged role in a major drug trafficking conspiracy involving the import of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles to Canada and throughout 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 the San Jacinto, California area; he may now have long hair and braces on his teeth.
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 #4Recent physical changes (long hair and braces) may help identify him—have there been any confirmed sightings?
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:April 29, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:January 4, 2024
Last Updated:April 29, 2026