By The Opinion
Daniel Perez Rojasalias “The Cheeks”identified as a former high-ranking member of The Zetas and close to leaders like that of Miguel Ángel Trevino Moralespleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges before a court in the United States.
According to the Department of Justice, Pérez Rojas accepted his responsibility for the crime of conspiracy to distribute large quantities of drugs, specifically five kilograms or more of cocaine and one thousand kilograms or more of marijuana destined for the United States.
The former Mexican military man, detained in Guatemala, He faces a possible sentence ranging from 10 years in prison to life in prison.whose sentence will be determined in a hearing scheduled for the end of 2026.
High-Ranking Member of Los Zetas Cartel Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
“Daniel Perez Rojas became as soon as an excessive-ranking member of Los Zetas Cartel, one in all essentially the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico that trafficked huge portions of cocaine and… pic.twitter.com/eefkK16uzW
— Prison Division (@DOJCrimDiv) April 22, 2026
Criminal career
Pérez Rojas deserted from the Mexican Army in 2001 and later joined Los Zetas, a criminal organization that originally operated as the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel. Over the years, he rose through the ranks within the group until he became one of its main commanders, according to the site Los Noticieristas.
Even US authorities place him as a possible successor to Heriberto Lazcanoone of the historical leaders of the cartel. In addition, he is credited with participating in the organization’s expansion into Central America, particularly in Guatemala, as well as in acts of extreme violence against rival groups.
“The Cheeks” He was extradited to the United States in August 2025as part of a group of criminals sent from Mexico to face drug trafficking charges.
According to DEA authorities, his role within Los Zetas contributed to maintaining drug trafficking networks, as well as generating violence, corruption and intimidation in different countries.
“El Cachetes”, founder of “Los Zetas” falls
Daniel Pérez Rojas, alias ‘El Cachetes’, former military man and founder of ‘Los Zetas’, accepts charges against him in the United States after his extradition. pic.twitter.com/M9LIycubVU
— ARMY, AIR FORCE AND NATIONAL GUARD Mexico (@EJTO_FAM_GN) April 23, 2026
Los Zetas have been considered one of the most violent cartels in Mexico, characterized by their military origin and their territorial expansion in various regions of the country and Central America.
Pérez Rojas’ guilty plea joins a series of recent trials in US courts against Mexican drug trafficking leaders, in which several have chosen to accept charges to reduce possible sentences.
Keep reading:
– Former leader of the Gulf Cartel would have had special measures in US prison after collaborating with the authorities.
– The US accuses the former leader of Los Zetas of two of the worst massacres that occurred in Mexico.
