Mexican cartel crew boss from Aurora who unloaded heroin from passenger buses walks free after helping feds

By Frank Main Aug 19, 2025, 6:02pm EDT

A Mexican drug boss from Aurora who helped flood Chicago’s streets with heroin walked out of court a free man Tuesday after playing a key role in a cartel linked to the disappearance of dozens of college students in Mexico in 2014.

Pablo Vega Cuevas, 50, a former Chicago area leader for Guerreros Unidos, was sentenced to 10 years in prison — time he’s already spent in a federal pretrial lockup when reductions for good behavior are considered.

Because of his cooperation with U.S. authorities since his 2014 arrest, he caught a break. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Vega could have gotten 30 years to life.

Vega must forfeit to the government $1.75 million in proceeds from his drug operation. And he faces possible deportation to Mexico.
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2025/08/19/mexican-cartel-guerreros-unidos-pablo-vega-cuevas-heroin-buses-aurora-dea-mexico-college-students