Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Drug Trafficker Extradited from Colombia

SAN DIEGO – Alleged Sinaloa Cartel cell leader Brian Donaciano Olguin-Verdugo, aka Pitt, who is believed responsible for trafficking large amounts of cocaine into the United States from Mexico, appeared in federal court today following his extradition from Colombia.

Olguin-Verdugo was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California in March 2021 for International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Import Cocaine. Olguin-Verdugo was apprehended by Colombian authorities in April 2022 while visiting Cali, and Colombia granted the United States’ extradition request in May 2025.

At today’s hearing, Olguin-Verdugo was arraigned and entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 20, 2025, for a motion hearing/trial setting in front of U.S. District Court Judge Todd W. Robinson.

“Those who export dangerous drugs to the United States and seek to evade justice will find no place to hide,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “The Department of Justice appreciates the cooperation of the Colombian authorities in this matter. The work of the Homeland Security Task Forces ensures that the extradition of high-level cartel targets will remain a top priority nationally, but especially in the Southern District of California.”

The Southern District of California prosecution in this case is part of a multi-year investigation that, in total, has resulted in charges against over 125 people and has had a significant impact on the worldwide operations of the Sinaloa Cartel. This investigation has also offered one of the most comprehensive views to date of the inner workings of one of the world’s most prolific, violent and powerful drug cartels. Cartel members and associates were targeted in this massive investigation involving multiple countries, numerous law enforcement agencies around the United States, a number of federal districts and over 250 court-authorized wiretaps in this district alone. The case is being prosecuted by this office’s Narcoterrorism Unit.

This case began in late 2011 as an investigation of what was at first believed to be a small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista. It became evident that the drugs were being supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, and the case evolved into a massive multi-national, multi-state probe that resulted in scores of arrests and seizures of 1,397 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2,214 kilograms of cocaine, 17.2 tons of marijuana, 95.84 kilograms of heroin, and $27,892,706 in narcotics proceeds.

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Colombia and its prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia and the United States State Department provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Colombia. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in bringing the defendant back to the United States. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton.

DEFENDANT                                                                                  Case Number 21cr862-TWR          

Brian Donaciano Olguin-Verdugo                                         Age: 41                        Culiacán, MX

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963. Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine.

Conspiracy to Import Cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963. Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10 million fine.

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration

Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations

Customs and Border Protection Office of Border Patrol

United States Marshals Service

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations

Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

Interpol

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the California Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).