Accused cartel boss living secret bloodthirsty life in wealthy California city as feds make terrifying discovery

A world of golden guns, heaps of cash and loads of drugs has been revealed in a wealthy Southern California city.Authorities have snagged a notorious crime boss in San Diego after his alleged reign of terror as a violent leader for the Sinaloa Cartel’s “Los Rugrats.”The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California charged Carlos Paez Pereda, also known as “Carlitos” or “Carlitos Rugrats,” Tuesday with a menagerie of horrific crimes, including narcoterrorism, money laundering conspiracy, and several charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.“For years, Pereda allegedly fueled the drug crisis by trafficking deadly drugs into the United States while using violence, intimidation, and fear to protect his criminal enterprise,” DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee said.“As alleged in the indictment, his organization relied on murder, kidnapping, and armed enforcers to maintain power and ensure the continued flow of drugs that have devastated families and communities across our nation.A wanted notice from the FBI had been posted, and Pereda was to be considered “armed and dangerous.” Officials issued a federal arrest warrant for the cartel leader back in March.Before his capture, Paez posted photos of his wide arsenal of weaponry, including at least three assault rifles that he labeled in a cheeky Instagram comment: “My 3 fav.”Other photos showed mounds of cash and numerous shiny guns, including one that had a handle with his last name bedazzled on it and another with “Rugrats” in gold on its barrel.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story The Sinaloa Cartel’s “Los Rugrats” division “has fueled brutal violence in Mexico that reaches into the United States along with a relentless flo...