Mexican raids nab 19 members of La Mayiza's Los Rugrats hit squad

Over a five-day sweep, Mexican law-enforcement captured 19 people connected to Los Rugrats, the most prominent hit squad serving La Mayiza in the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal conflict. Detainees include Carlos “Carlitos” Páez Pereda, a high-profile enforcer, his brother José Luis “El Wicho” Páez Pereda who oversaw finances, and Jesús Darío N., the group’s chief of security heading the La Barredora cell. Additional arrests involved family members and three Colombian logistics operatives in Toluca.

The cell collaborates with the Caborca Cartel to control fentanyl and methamphetamine corridors against rival Los Chapitos, especially in Sonora. Researchers warn the arrests could erode Los Rugrats’ operational capacity, likening a possible decline to the fate of former groups such as Los Ántrax. Yet the organization remains active in southern Sinaloa, moving drugs through Baja California routes and financing further recruitment.