The United States government presented a formal accusation against Carlos Páez Pereda, alias “Carlitos” or “Carlitos Rugrats”, for narcoterrorism and material support for terrorism. He is identified as an alleged high-ranking lieutenant of the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamines into US territory.
The accusation was filed in the court of the Southern District of California. According to authorities, Páez led a violent faction known as the “Rugrats”, linked to the structure of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
“Today’s indictment underscores the FBI’s determination to dismantle the most violent elements of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Diego office. “The Rugrats have fueled brutal violence in Mexico that extends to the United States, along with a relentless flow of deadly drugs into our communities.”
Details of the accusation
According to court documents, Páez ran a methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine manufacturing and distribution network. He is also accused of resorting to homicides, kidnappings and armed groups to impose the cartel’s orders in Sinaloa and Tijuana. The DEA noted that his organization used violence to protect its operations.
DEA Special Agent James Nunnallee said: > “For years, Pereda allegedly fueled the drug crisis by trafficking lethal drugs into the United States, while using violence, intimidation and fear to protect his criminal organization.”
It is estimated that Páez has imported tens of thousands of kilograms of these substances and has laundered hundreds of millions of dollars. In September 2025, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated him a drug kingpin, blocking his assets in the US.
Possible penalties
For the narcoterrorism charges, “Carlitos Rugrats” could receive a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to life in prison, in addition to a fine of $20 million. The accusation is based on the designation of the Sinaloa Cartel as a terrorist organization by the Donald Trump government.
Prosecutor Adam Gordon commented: > “You can’t capture a cartoon character. But you can capture a narco-terrorist,” alluding to the name of the faction inspired by the Rugrats cartoon.
Páez, 30 years old and originally from Laguna Colorada, Sinaloa, used to show off weapons on social networks. He has been linked to René Arzate García, head of the “Los Mayos” plaza in Tijuana.