Alleged Tijuana-based cartel enforcer extradited to San Diego
Perez Villa, 35, is charged in connection with his alleged involvement in violent activities supporting heroin and methamphetamine trafficking for the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the most dangerous drug cartels operating internationally.
Perez Villa, who also goes by the aliases Cabo 89 and Nier, was indicted alongside other cartel leaders, including Edgar Herrera Pardo (Caiman), Carlos Lorenzo Hinojosa Guerrero (Cabo 96), and Israel Alejandro Vazquez-Vazquez (Cabo 50), said DOJ officials.
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According to the superseding indictment, Perez Villa is accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for unlawful importation and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life.
Court documents reveal that Perez Villa was allegedly a leader in Los Cabos, a violent cartel enforcer group operating in Baja California to help secure CJNG's control over the region. Los Cabos allegedly used brutal tactics to maintain CJNG's grip on the trafficking of drugs through Tijuana and into the United States. Investigators uncovered plans for over 150 murders, most of which were carried out in Tijuana, orchestrated by Los Cabos to maintain their cartel's influence.
CJNG is known for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin into the United States. The cartel is also a significant producer of methamphetamine, using precursor chemicals sourced from China and India, according to the DOJ. Its widespread influence and violent tactics have made it a top priority for law enforcement agencies working to combat the opioid crisis and drug violence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden for the Southern District of California emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against drug-related violence, stating, 'For far too long, violent cartels have inflicted untold suffering through violence and drug addiction. Our fight against this reign of terror will not waver.'
Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) San Diego, called the extradition a major step forward in the battle against the fentanyl epidemic, adding, 'The extradition of this prolific trafficker underscores our unwavering commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the large amounts of drugs that devastate our communities.'
Brian Clark, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) San Diego Field Division, also underscored the significance of the case, noting that Los Cabos' violence and drug trafficking activities had caused lasting damage to the community. 'One by one, the DEA will hold these criminals accountable and bring them to justice,' he stated.
The investigation into Perez Villa's actions was led by the DEA and HSI, with support from the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs (OIA). The OIA worked with Mexican law enforcement to secure Perez Villa's arrest and extradition.
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