Rafael Caro Quintero and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, both Mexican citizens, appeared in federal court in Brooklyn today. They face charges related to their leadership roles in Mexican drug cartels that trafficked drugs into the United States and engaged in violent acts over several decades. Caro Quintero is charged with leading a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, international narcotics distribution conspiracy, and unlawful use of firearms. Carrillo Fuentes faces charges including leading a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, cocaine distribution conspiracy, unlawful use of firearms, and money laundering conspiracy. Both were expelled from Mexico to the Eastern District of New York for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.
John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Frank A Tarentino III, DEA Special Agent in Charge; and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations New York announced the arraignments.
“For decades, Rafael Caro Quintero and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes have flooded the United States and other countries with drugs, violence, and mayhem," stated U.S. Attorney Durham. "Today the next step in the American legal proceedings against these two cartel leaders—Caro Quintero...and Carrillo Fuentes...are finally underway."
“Today marks a day which will be remembered in the history of the DEA," said DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino. "For nearly four decades...the man responsible for...the death of fallen DEA Special Agent Kiki Camarena...will finally face the consequences."
“Make no mistake: the world is undoubtedly a safer place with these men in custody," stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael Alfonso.
Caro Quintero was first indicted in 2015 with further charges added later. He is known as “Narco of Narcos” due to his extensive involvement in drug trafficking since his teenage years. His organization became part of what is now known as the Sinaloa Cartel.
Carrillo Fuentes was first indicted in 2009 with additional charges filed later on. He led the Juarez Cartel alongside his brother Amado Carrillo Fuentes for over two decades controlling drug trafficking through key corridors like El Paso-Ciudad Juarez.
The cases are part of operations by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S security using a multi-agency approach.
Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty but face mandatory life sentences if convicted along with potential death penalties.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy et al., handle prosecution for Caro Quintero while Erik D Paulsen et al., manage Carrillo Fuentes' case assisted by Paralegal Specialists Melissa Bennett & Huda Abouchaer handling asset forfeiture matters across both cases
RAFAEL CARO QUINTERO
Age: 72
Sonora Mexico
VICENTE CARRILLO FUENTES
Age: 62
Sinaloa Mexico
