‘Carlitos Rugrats’ Is Accused of Narco-Terrorism by the United States

The federal government is targeting one of the most violent operatives of the “Los Mayos” faction in Sinaloa. Identified as Carlos Páez Pereda—known as “Carlitos Rugrats”—he was charged with narco-terrorism by the United States just this past July. Today, seven individuals linked to his criminal group were arrested by federal agents, who had to contend with local residents in Culiacán attempting to obstruct the operation. 

“You aren’t taking anyone innocent! You aren’t leaving here with these people!” 

Tensions flared in the southern part of Culiacán, Sinaloa, as a group of residents—mostly women—tried to prevent the arrest of seven people allegedly connected to Carlos Alberto Páez Pereda, alias “Carlitos Rugrats.” To hinder the operation, the residents claimed that security forces had stolen some of their belongings, though in reality, the items had simply been seized as evidence.

“It has been pointed out to us that they [the detainees] are in possession of items—cell phones, and I believe a tablet—which may contain information of interest to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.” 

In July of this year, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against “Carlitos Rugrats” in the Southern District of California, charging him with narco-terrorism, money laundering, and drug trafficking. He is currently on the FBI and DEA’s lists of most-wanted fugitives. It was also revealed that the community of La Laguna Colorada, in Culiacán, served as the residence for this kingpin—the leader of “Los Rugrats,” the armed wing of the “Los Mayos” faction. 

This operation comes one day after the arrest in Mazatlán of José Luis N., known as “El Wicho,” who is alleged to be the financial operator for “Los Rugrats.” Among those detained are Leslie Denís Pereda García and Aglae Ramírez Spice—both cousins ​​of “Carlito Rugratx” and alleged logistics operators for the criminal cell—as well as Claudia Selena García Ontiveros and Francisco Javier Ramírez, the criminal leader’s aunt and uncle. 

They took his phone, and they took my sister’s iPad. My sister was in a separate room; they only called one young woman out. My little dog kept barking the whole time. 

During the operation, a luxury property with a swimming pool was seized, containing two high-end vehicles and an off-road recreational vehicle (UTV/racer). The security cabinet reported that a total of five properties—used as meeting points by the criminal group—were raided; weapons, drugs, cash, and cell phones were also seized. 

Carlos Paes Pereda has been linked to political figures such as the former mayor of Rosarito and current Morena party legislator, Hilda Araceli Brown—who was sanctioned in July 2025. Furthermore, he is also being sought by authorities in the Dominican Republic, alongside two hitmen and his brother, Alfonso Paes Pereda—with whom he frequently shows off his luxurious weapons on social media.

Source: Milenio