A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted Ceferino Espinoza Angulo, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, on charges of drug conspiracy. Espinoza Angulo is accused of manufacturing and distributing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs for importation into the United States.
The indictment claims that Espinoza Angulo, 43, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Mexico, employed numerous gunmen to protect the leadership of the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. This faction includes Ivan Guzman-Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar, Ovidio Guzman-Lopez, and Joaquin Guzman-Lopez—collectively known as "the Chapitos." These individuals are sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera ("El Chapo"), previously convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Espinoza Angulo allegedly worked with others to obtain fentanyl precursor chemicals and transport various drugs toward the U.S. border. The indictment also accuses him of using a machine gun illegally during his drug trafficking activities.
Espinoza Angulo faces charges that could result in a maximum life sentence in federal prison and a minimum sentence of 30 years if convicted. Authorities believe he is currently residing in Mexico; a U.S. warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The announcement was made by Morris Pasqual from the Northern District of Illinois alongside other officials from various departments including Antoinette T. Bacon from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Tara K. McGrath from Southern California's U.S. Attorney's Office.
"This indictment reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who endanger our communities," stated Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough.
The case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation aimed at dismantling drug trafficking organizations threatening the United States through collaborative law enforcement efforts.
Officials emphasize that an indictment does not equate to guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
