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Alleged leader of Mexico-based drug organization added to FBI wanted list

By Chris Benson
Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores, 42, is the alleged leader of Mexico's Sinaloa-based Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization and purportedly is responsible for possession, distribution and importation of "large quantities" of a number of illicit drugs into the U.S. market. Photo provided by FBI
Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores, 42, is the alleged leader of Mexico's Sinaloa-based Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization and purportedly is responsible for possession, distribution and importation of "large quantities" of a number of illicit drugs into the U.S. market. Photo provided by FBI

Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The FBI on Tuesday added a known Mexican drug lord to its notorious "Ten Most Wanted" list of fugitives for a multitude of alleged drug-related crimes.

Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores, 42, is the purported leader of Mexico's Sinaloa-based Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization that purportedly is responsible for possession, distribution and importation of "large quantities" of a number of illicit drugs into the U.S. market.

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Also known to go by "Chapo Isidro," he is the 533rd addition to the FBI list.

As its alleged chief, Meza-Flores "leads a group of heavily armed gunmen who use violence to maintain control of areas in Mexico used for the production and transportation of narcotics" destined for the United States, according to FBI officials.

He allegedly conspired to manufacture and distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the United States from roughly 2005 to 2019, according to an indictment.

A reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction has been offered by the U.S. State Department's Narcotics Rewards Program.

Meza-Flores, who officials said likely resides in Mexico, originally was indicted by a federal court in Washington on May 2, 2012.

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In 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department formally designated his cartel as a drug trafficking organization as American officials froze known U.S. assets. By 2017, the bureau initially was offering its $5 million reward for information.

A federal grand jury returned on Nov. 26, 2019, a superseding indictment charging him with drug trafficking violations and possession of a firearm.

Meanwhile, some 533 fugitives have been put on the list and 496 located since 1950 when the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list first was established.

"For decades, the public has shared information with the FBI that has helped us capture dangerous criminals," Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan wrote in a release.

Moreover, as a result of "citizen cooperation," according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 163 of those on the list were located.

The alleged Mexican drug lord is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and has brown eyes, dark brown hair at approximately 160 pounds.

The public is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), to contact a local FBI field office, the nearest U.S. ambassador or consulate or submit a tip online with any info on Meza-Flores.

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