US Justice Department targets Mexican cartel leader and Indian-linked crime networks

The US Department of Justice indicted Carlos Páez Pereda, known as Carlitos Rugrats, as the alleged leader of the Los Rugrats cell tied to the Los Mayos faction of the Sinaloa cartel. Prosecutors accuse him of narcoterrorism, of directing a network that manufactures and traffics fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States, and of leading an armed group responsible for murders, kidnappings and other violent acts in support of the cartel. He faces charges that could carry a life sentence and remains at large.

In a separate “Hard Ball” operation, the DOJ and partner agencies arrested 24 members of Indian‑origin organized‑crime groups accused of extortion, contract killings and large‑scale drug trafficking. Seizures included roughly 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, $40,000 in cash and firearms. Arrests took place in California, Indiana, Georgia, Canada and Spain, and authorities continue to hunt ten fugitives believed to be located in the United States, India and Europe.