Earlier today, the United States unsealed a federal indictment in Brooklyn, charging Rafael Caro Quintero with orchestrating a continuing criminal enterprise and numerous drug-related offenses. These charges stem from his leadership within the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization, a powerful faction operating under the notorious Sinaloa Cartel umbrella. The indictment, initially filed under seal by a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York on January 20, 2017, details Caro Quintero’s alleged criminal activities spanning nearly four decades, from January 1980 to January 2017.
The announcement was jointly made by United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York, and James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, underscoring the significance of this legal action against a figure long considered a major player in international drug trafficking.
Adding further pressure, the DEA and FBI simultaneously declared Caro Quintero’s inclusion on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List. Accompanying this designation is a substantial $20 million reward, offered by the United States Department of State, for any actionable information leading directly to his apprehension. This significant reward highlights the unwavering commitment of U.S. law enforcement to bring Caro Quintero to justice.
“As outlined in the indictment, Caro Quintero is a dangerous drug kingpin who allegedly masterminded murder conspiracies targeting individuals perceived as threats to his vast drug trafficking network. This includes the tragic murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena, a brave agent dedicated to stopping drug traffickers like the defendant from poisoning our communities with illicit narcotics,” stated U.S. Attorney Donoghue. He emphasized the enduring resolve of law enforcement, stating, “Time will not diminish our determination to hold Caro Quintero accountable for the murder of one of our esteemed law enforcement partners.” Mr. Donoghue expressed gratitude to the DEA offices in Long Island and Mexico City, the U.S. Department of State, and the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Tucson, Arizona, for their crucial collaboration.
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt further emphasized the historical context and long-lasting impact of Caro Quintero’s criminal enterprise. “Caro Quintero’s powerful position within the Sinaloa Cartel has persisted for over thirty years, a dark legacy that began with the kidnapping and brutal murder of Special Agent Camarena,” Hunt stated. “The DEA will never forget Kiki Camarena’s sacrifice. This indictment is the result of remarkable cooperation among law enforcement agencies to ensure Caro Quintero faces justice. It sends a clear message to the Cartels: our pursuit of dismantling drug trafficking operations and ending drug-related violence is relentless, regardless of time.”
According to the detailed indictment, from January 1980 to January 2017, Caro Quintero allegedly spearheaded a vast continuing criminal enterprise. This organization was responsible for the large-scale importation and distribution of illegal narcotics across the United States. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Caro Quintero conspired to murder individuals deemed threats to his illicit narcotics empire. A central and horrific element of this murder conspiracy is the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in February 1985. This act remains a stark reminder of the brutality and ruthlessness associated with Caro Quintero’s operations.
The charges against Caro Quintero extend beyond his leadership of a criminal enterprise. He is specifically charged with participating in international conspiracies related to the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, spanning from February 2015 through January 2017. Additionally, he faces charges for an international marijuana distribution conspiracy, alleged to have been ongoing from January 1980 through January 2017. The indictment also includes charges for the use of firearms in furtherance of his extensive drug trafficking activities. The immense profits generated from these illegal drug sales, amounting to millions of dollars, were allegedly funneled back to Mexico, fueling further criminal operations.
As the leader of this sprawling criminal organization, Caro Quintero is accused of employing a vast network of individuals, each playing a crucial role in the enterprise’s success. This network included “sicarios,” or hitmen, responsible for carrying out violent acts in Mexico, such as murders and kidnappings, aimed at silencing potential witnesses and retaliating against informants. The organization also included security personnel dedicated to protecting its leadership, “plaza bosses” who controlled key territories for the enterprise, narcotics transporters responsible for moving drugs, and money launderers tasked with concealing the illicit proceeds.
It is crucial to remember that the charges outlined in the indictment are merely allegations. Caro Quintero is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The government’s prosecution is being managed by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Gina M. Parlovecchio, Michael P. Robotti, Andrew C. Gilman, and G. Karthik Srinivasan are leading the prosecution efforts.
The Defendant:
RAFAEL CARO QUINTERO
Age: 63
Country of Origin: Mexico
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-208(S-2)
