Sandra J. Hairston United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina
A key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested in Nogales, Arizona, following charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering. Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, also known by various aliases, including Manny and Jose Manuel Lopez-Castro, was among 38 people indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024 in North Carolina for involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Leon-Soto was additionally charged with laundering proceeds from the drug operations.
Before his indictment, Leon-Soto was identified as a Regional Priority Target by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, indicating his prominent role within the Sinaloa Cartel, a group known for smuggling large quantities of drugs into the U.S.
The apprehension of Leon-Soto marked a noteworthy development in efforts to address drug trafficking associated with the cartel. "The arrest of Leon-Soto is a significant development in our case against this organization," said Randall S. Galyon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. He highlighted collaboration among various law enforcement agencies through the OCDETF program.
Rodney M. Hopkins of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service emphasized that this arrest serves as a warning to those using the U.S. Mail for illicit activities. "Postal inspectors will vigorously pursue you and bring you to justice," Hopkins stated.
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte, referred to Leon-Soto as a "significant threat" due to his leadership role in the cartel, reaffirming HSI's dedication to combating illegal narcotics.
Jae W. Chung from the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the greed-driven nature of the defendants' actions, which endangered lives by distributing harmful substances. Special Agent Donald "Trey" Eakins of the IRS Criminal Investigation underscored the effort to dismantle fentanyl networks by following illicit financial transactions.
Leon-Soto, if convicted, could face life imprisonment for drug conspiracy and 20 years for money laundering. As of now, 32 of the 38 defendants have pled guilty and await sentencing.
This case forms part of an OCDETF investigation, which identifies and disrupts high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations impacting the United States. Participating agencies include the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, several local sheriff’s offices, and police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Pryor is handling the prosecution. It's important to note that an indictment is an accusation, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
