The FBI has placed Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores, alias "Chapo Isidro," on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Meza-Flores, 42, is believed to lead the Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico. The organization is accused of trafficking substantial amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States over the past two decades.
The FBI is seeking public assistance in locating Meza-Flores. "We rely on the public's help to apprehend dangerous criminals," stated Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, urging anyone with information to come forward so Meza-Flores can be brought to justice and the flow of illegal narcotics into the country can be stemmed.
Meza-Flores's alleged criminal activities began two decades ago, initially as an independent trafficker before allegedly taking the helm of the Meza-Flores cartel. A decade ago, he was identified as one of three major cartel leaders still operating in Mexico. Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll highlighted not only the drug trafficking but also the organization's alleged involvement in serious violent crimes including kidnapping, extortion, torture, and murder.
Meza-Flores was initially indicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in May 2012. A superseding indictment followed in November 2019, charging him with drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The indictment alleges a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute various drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, within the United States from 2005 to 2019.
A reward of up to $5 million is being offered for information that leads to Meza-Flores's arrest and conviction. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Authorities believe he is likely residing in Mexico.
Meza-Flores is the 533rd fugitive to be added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since its inception in 1950. Of the 496 fugitives apprehended or located, citizen cooperation has contributed to the capture of 163.
