A man who allegedly lead a large-scale transnational criminal organization was arraigned in federal court following his extradition to the United States, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced on Wednesday.
Victor Hugo Anez Vaca Diez, also known as Chi Chi, was indicted on Aug. 18, 2017 by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California for charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday in San Diego federal court.
The United States requested a Red Notice, issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in January 2022, and arrested Anez Vaca, a Bolivian citizen at the Bueno Aires airport in Argentina. He was flown by the United States Marshals Service from Buenos Aires to San Diego on Oct.3 and arraigned the following day.
“Today is a reminder that international drug traffickers who profit by shipping narcotics into our community are not safe from prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.
Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego said this extradition should send a clear message to those who believe they can evade law enforcement.
“We will find you and work to bring you to the U.S. to face justice,” Plantz said.
