Alleged leader of violent wing of Sinola Cartel charged with narcoterrorism

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) - An alleged leader of a violent wing of the Sinaola Cartel has been charged with narcoterrorism.

30-year-old Carlos Paez Pereda, also known as "Carlitos," has his charges unsealed Tuesday.

The alleged high-ranking lieutenant, and leader of a violent wing of the cartel called "Los Rugrats," is accused of trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.

According to court documents, Pereda enforces the cartel's operations in Sinaola and Tijuana through murder, kidnappings and other violent activity, using a group of armed fighters and hitmen.

"Today's indictment underscores the FBI's determination to dismantle the most violent elements of the Sinaloa Cartel," said Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office. "Los Rugrats has fueled brutal violence in Mexico that reaches into the United States along with a relentless flow of deadly drugs into our communities. Together with our federal and state partners, we will continue to target cartel leadership wherever they operate to bring them to justice and protect the public."

Pereda is facing multiple life sentences behind bars. To learn more about Pereda and his charges, see attached documents, including the press release written in English and Spanish, below.