Three alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel appeared in Manhattan federal court following their transfer from Mexico to the United States. The individuals, identified as Kevin Gil Acosta (“El 200”), Martin Zazueta Perez (“Piyi”), and Leobardo Garcia Corrales (“Leo”), face charges related to fentanyl trafficking and weapons offenses. Their first appearance took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo, where they were ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commented on the case: “The illicit fentanyl trade continues to plague Americans and New Yorkers of all walks of life, and the Sinaloa Cartel, a vast, deadly, and corrupt enterprise, is at the center of the scourge,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants allegedly held leading roles, using abhorrent violence to protect the Cartel. Their arrival yesterday in the United States to face justice in a U.S. courtroom is another major step in the partnership between our Office and the DEA to end the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel.”
According to indictments and other court filings, authorities allege that these three individuals played significant roles within an armed enforcement group supporting “the Chapitos,” sons of former cartel leader Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera (“El Chapo”). The Sinaloa Cartel is described as one of the most influential drug trafficking organizations in North America, with operations extending internationally.
Gil Acosta reportedly led a group tasked with protecting cartel-controlled fentanyl laboratories and distribution routes; he also trafficked fentanyl produced by these labs. Zazueta Perez is accused of providing security for cartel operations in Sinaloa through violent means including kidnapping, torture, and murder using military-grade firearms such as machine guns and grenade launchers. Both are alleged to have participated in armed attacks against Mexican government officials during efforts by authorities in October 2019 to arrest one of El Chapo’s sons.
Garcia Corrales is charged with supplying large quantities of fentanyl into the United States while conspiring to exchange drugs for automatic weapons and explosives intended for furthering trafficking activities. Prosecutors say he delivered approximately 33 kilograms of fentanyl as part payment for these weapons.
The three men were among more than two dozen fugitives extradited or transferred from Mexico under that country’s National Security law on August 12, 2025. The broader effort involved suspects facing various charges across multiple jurisdictions—ranging from drug crimes to homicide.
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to import fentanyl (carrying mandatory minimum sentences of ten years up to life), possession of machine guns/destructive devices (mandatory minimum thirty years up to life), and conspiracy related to those weapons offenses (up to life). Gil Acosta and Zazueta Perez also face separate counts for conspiracy related specifically to fentanyl trafficking.
Sentencing guidelines are determined by Congress but any final decision will be made by a judge if there are convictions.
U.S. Attorney Clayton recognized contributions from several agencies including DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, offices based in Mexico, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, and Mexican authorities.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles from SDNY’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit are handling prosecution duties.
As stated by prosecutors: The indictments contain only allegations at this stage; all defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
