An indictment has been unsealed in San Diego, marking a significant legal action against the Sinaloa Cartel. This is the first instance where alleged leaders of the cartel are charged with narco-terrorism and providing material support for terrorism. The charges relate to trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin into the United States.
Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, face charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering. They are identified as key figures within the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel known for its extensive fentanyl production network. Five other BLO leaders are also charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. These charges stem from President Trump's Executive Order 14157 which designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that "The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization and dismantling them demands a novel, powerful legal response." She emphasized seeking life imprisonment for those involved.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon commented on Operation Take Back America initiatives: “They metastasize violence, corruption and fear. If left unchecked, their growth would lead to the death of law and order.” He highlighted this indictment as an example of justice being served through coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice.
Shawn Gibson from Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego remarked on these charges showcasing "the unwavering efforts of transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel to flood our communities with deadly drugs."
FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent Houtan Moshrefi noted that BLO under Inzunza Noriega's leadership is allegedly responsible for major drug seizures intended for U.S. markets: “Their drugs not only destroy lives and communities but also threaten our national security.”
Court documents describe BLO as one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations involved in various criminal activities including shootouts and kidnappings. The faction controls numerous territories across Mexico including Tijuana while making substantial profits from illegal operations.
The Southern District of California has pursued federal indictments against all alleged leaders within BLO such as Fausto Isidro Meza Flores aka “Chapo Isidro” among others. Other pending indictments target different leaders within broader cartel structures like Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar aka “El Chapito.”
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by DOJ aimed at eliminating cartels' influence over communities through coordinated law enforcement actions supported by OCDETF partnerships.