Fidel Felix-Ochoa, a top Sinaloa Cartel leader, faces life in prison after being charged with running a major fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation into the U.S.

Fidel Felix-Ochoa, 53, a top Sinaloa Cartel leader, appeared in U.S. federal court facing life in prison for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation into the U.S. Prosecutors say he directed shipments via couriers and mail, using stash houses across multiple states, resulting in the seizure of over 73,000 fentanyl pills, 21 kilograms of pure fentanyl, and other drugs and weapons. The Sinaloa Cartel was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. in February 2025. Felix-Ochoa is among 37 Mexican nationals transferred to U.S. custody in January 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle major drug networks.