Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition Of Leader Of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced that ABRAHAM INZUNZA INZUNZA was extradited from Mexico where he had been arrested for charges arising out of his leadership of an organization engaged in the trafficking of large-scale quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine into the United States.  INZUNZA, a Mexican citizen, arrived in the Southern District of New York yesterday, and was presented today in Manhattan federal court.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, Abraham Inzunza Inzunza was for years the leader of a major Mexican drug trafficking organization.  He is charged with the importation of large quantities of dangerous and potentially lethal drugs to the U.S.  Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the DEA and the Mexican Federal Police, Inzunza will now face American justice.”

Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt said:  “Today marks the end of a violent battle to bring Abraham Inzunza Inzunza to America to face the drug trafficking charges against him.   Allegedly, as one of the largest drug traffickers in Mexico, he sent loads of marijuana, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine to cities across the United States for distribution.  State, local, federal and international law enforcement worked collaboratively to arrest Peque and bring him to justice.” 

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment unsealed yesterday in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From at least in or about 2008 through in or about March 6, 2014, INZUNZA operated a continuing criminal enterprise that trafficked large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine into the United States.  Among other things, in approximately March 2012, INZUNZA directed two co-conspirators to negotiate the importation of over 100 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.  In August and September 2013, INZUNZA oversaw and directed other co-conspirators regarding the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine to several states in the United States, namely, California, New Mexico, and Arizona.  In September 2013, INZUNZA additionally discussed with another co-conspirator the delivery of approximately 400 kilograms of marijuana from Mexico to the United States.

INZUNZA was arrested by Mexican authorities on or about March 6, 2014, in Mexico, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant that was issued on the charges in this case. 

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INZUNZA, 39, is charged in three counts.  Count One charges INZUNZA with conspiring to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, and at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, knowing that such substances would be imported into the United States.  Count Two charges INZUNZA with occupying a position of organizer, supervisor, and manager of a continuing criminal enterprise involving cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine trafficking.  Count Three charges INZUNZA with occupying the position of a principal administrator, organizer, or leader of a continuing criminal enterprise involving trafficking in at least 150 kilograms of cocaine and at least 10,000 grams, or 10 kilograms, of methamphetamine. 

Count One carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, Count Two carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison, and Count Three carries a mandatory minimum term of life in prison in prison.  Each count carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr.  

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the New York Division of the DEA and its Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, and the DEA Mexico City Country Office.  The DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the New York State Police, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshal Service, New York National Guard, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarkstown Police Department, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.  Mr. Bharara also thanked the Government of Mexico for its assistance, in particular, the Mexican Federal Police, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane T. Stansbury is in charge of the prosecution.