A high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, has been arrested in Nogales, Arizona. Leon-Soto was indicted for allegedly leading a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. He was the last of 38 individuals charged in November 2024 with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of North Carolina. Leon-Soto, known by multiple aliases, is among ten of those defendants also charged with money laundering conspiracy.
Leon-Soto was designated as a Regional Priority Target by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The Sinaloa Cartel, known as Cártel de Sinaloa, is recognized as one of the largest producers involved in smuggling and distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States.
Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, Randall S. Galyon, remarked on the arrest: "The arrest of Leon-Soto is a significant development in our case against this organization." He added that the prosecution showcases collaboration among law enforcement through the OCDETF program.
Rodney M. Hopkins from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated, "Today’s arrest should send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can further their criminal drug enterprise through the U.S. Mail and remain anonymous."
Cardell T. Morant from ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Charlotte highlighted Leon-Soto's threat due to his leadership role in the Sinaloa Cartel, stressing the commitment to disrupt drug trafficking organizations.
The Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, Jae W. Chung, commented on the case, noting the defendants' disregard for the consequences of their actions.
Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation in Charlotte, emphasized their role in pursuing those profiting from fentanyl sales.
If found guilty, Leon-Soto faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment for drug conspiracy and up to 20 years for money laundering. 32 of the 38 defendants have already pled guilty.
The case is part of the OCDETF investigation aimed at dismantling high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations threatening the United States.
The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Pryor.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.