San Diego, CA – Alleged drug kingpin Victor Emilio Cazares Gastellum, also known as “El Licenciado,” was extradited to the United States on Friday, March 7, 2016, and arraigned in federal court in San Diego this morning on drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. The 52-year-old defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego in 2007.
Cazares’ organization shipped multi-ton quantities of drugs from Colombia and Venezuela through Central America to Mexico. The narcotics were then smuggled across the Southwestern border and he and others distributed the drug throughout the United States, earning him a spot on the United States’ most-wanted list. A provisional arrest warrant was issued following his indictment, and the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
Until his arrest, Cazares was believed to be aligned with Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman, former leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, one of the most notorious and violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico. The Sinaloa Cartel imports and distributes hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States each year.
The indictments were announced at a news conference in San Diego by then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The 22-month sting, code-named “Operation Imperial Emperor,” resulted in the nationwide arrests of 402 people suspected of working for the cartel, more than $45 million in cash and tons of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
Cazares was captured by Mexican authorities about five years later, on April 8, 2012, at a highway checkpoint near the western city of Guadalajara. During today’s hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Bartick, the defendant was ordered detained without bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for April 4, 2016, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge William Q. Hayes.
The defendant is facing the following charges:
Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960, and 963; Maximum penalty- Life
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 846 and 841(a)(1); Maximum penalty- life
Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Sec. 848(b); Maximum penalty- Life
Conspiracy to Launder Money, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h); Maximum penalty 20 years
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and El Centro Police Department were involved in the case. Cazares’ case is still ongoing, and he is considered innocent until proven guilty. The charges against him are mere accusations, and he will have his day in court to defend himself against these allegations.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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