Earlier this day, federal court documents unsealed in Brooklyn revealed the indictment of Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious figure in Mexican organized crime. The indictment charges Caro Quintero with orchestrating a continuing criminal enterprise and numerous drug-related offenses through his leadership of the Caro Quintero drug trafficking organization. This organization is identified as a significant faction within the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York had secretly returned this indictment on January 20, 2017. The charges encompass Caro Quintero’s alleged criminal activities spanning from January 1980 to January 2017.
The announcement of this indictment came jointly from United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Richard P. Donoghue, and Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, James J. Hunt.
Adding to the pressure, the DEA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) simultaneously declared Rafael Caro Quintero’s inclusion on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List. Furthermore, the United States Department of State is offering a substantial $20 million reward for any actionable information that leads to his apprehension.
United States Attorney Donoghue emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “As detailed in the indictment, Rafael Caro Quintero is a drug kingpin who allegedly masterminded a murder conspiracy targeting individuals perceived as threats to his drug trafficking empire. This includes the tragic murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena, a brave agent dedicated to stopping traffickers like the defendant from poisoning our communities with dangerous narcotics. Time will not diminish our resolve to hold Caro Quintero accountable for the murder of our law enforcement partner.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his gratitude to the DEA offices in Long Island and Mexico City, the United States Department of State, and the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Tucson, Arizona for their collaborative efforts.
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt further commented on the enduring impact of Caro Quintero’s criminal reign. “Caro Quintero’s influence within the Sinaloa Cartel has persisted for over three decades, a dark legacy that began with the kidnapping and brutal murder of Special Agent Camarena,” Hunt stated. “The DEA’s commitment to justice remains unwavering. This indictment is a testament to the remarkable collaboration among law enforcement agencies to bring Caro Quintero to justice. It sends a clear message to cartels that time offers no refuge from our relentless pursuit to dismantle their drug trafficking operations and associated violence.”
According to the indictment, from January 1980 to January 2017, Rafael Caro Quintero spearheaded a continuing criminal enterprise. This enterprise is accused of importing massive quantities of illegal narcotics into the United States and distributing them across the country. Furthermore, it is alleged he conspired to murder individuals who posed a threat to his lucrative narcotics operations. This murder conspiracy notably includes the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in February 1985 – a crime that has long cast a shadow over US-Mexico relations and law enforcement efforts against drug cartels.
The indictment further charges Rafael Caro Quintero with involvement in an international conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine from February 2015 through January 2017. He is also charged with an international marijuana distribution conspiracy spanning from January 1980 through January 2017. Additionally, he faces charges for using firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking enterprise. The vast profits generated from these illicit drug sales were allegedly funneled back to Mexico.
As the alleged leader of this extensive criminal enterprise, Caro Quintero is accused of employing a network of individuals to ensure its continued operation. This network reportedly included “sicarios,” or hitmen, responsible for carrying out acts of violence in Mexico, such as murders and kidnappings, to silence potential witnesses and retaliate against informants. The organization also employed security personnel for its leadership, “plaza bosses” who controlled territories for the enterprise, narcotics transporters, and money launderers to manage the immense illicit proceeds.
It is crucial to remember that the charges outlined in the indictment are merely allegations. As in all criminal proceedings, Rafael Caro Quintero is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The prosecution of this case is being handled 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.
Defendant:
RAFAEL CARO QUINTERO
Age: 63
Country of Origin: Mexico
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-208(S-2)
