Brian Donaciano Olguin-Verdugo, an alleged leader of a Sinaloa Cartel cell, has been extradited from Colombia to the United States. He appeared in federal court in San Diego following his extradition. Olguin-Verdugo is accused of trafficking significant amounts of cocaine into the U.S. from Mexico.
A federal grand jury in the Southern District of California indicted Olguin-Verdugo in March 2021 on charges of international conspiracy to distribute and import cocaine. Colombian authorities apprehended him in April 2022 during a visit to Cali, and Colombia approved the U.S.’s extradition request in May 2025.
In today’s hearing, Olguin-Verdugo entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt. His next court date is set for August 20, 2025, with U.S. District Court Judge Todd W. Robinson presiding over a motion hearing/trial setting.
“Those who export dangerous drugs to the United States and seek to evade justice will find no place to hide,” stated U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. He expressed appreciation for Colombian authorities’ cooperation and highlighted the Homeland Security Task Forces’ commitment to prioritizing high-level cartel target extraditions, especially within the Southern District of California.
The prosecution is part of an extensive investigation that has charged over 125 individuals and impacted the global operations of the Sinaloa Cartel significantly. This investigation provided insights into one of the world’s most notorious drug cartels through efforts involving multiple countries and law enforcement agencies across various jurisdictions.
The case began as an inquiry into a suspected small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista in late 2011 but evolved into a comprehensive multinational probe leading to numerous arrests and seizures including large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and nearly $28 million in narcotics proceeds.
The Justice Department thanked Colombia’s government for facilitating the extradition process alongside contributions from several other agencies including its Office of International Affairs and Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá. The U.S. Marshals Service played a role in transporting Olguin-Verdugo back to America for prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton.
Olguin-Verdugo faces charges related to international conspiracy to distribute cocaine with penalties ranging from ten years up to life imprisonment along with substantial fines if convicted.
The case was investigated under Operation Take Back America by California’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), initiated by President Trump’s Executive Order aiming at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
