Rafael Caro Quintero Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Rafael Caro Quintero, born in 1952 in Badiraguato, Mexico, began his career in the late 1970s, initially working as a farmer and cattle rancher. His life took an unexpected turn when he joined forces with the Guadalajara Cartel, then one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.

In the early 1980s, Caro Quintero rose through the ranks of the cartel, eventually becoming one of its top leaders. He played a significant role in expanding the organization’s operations, including establishing routes to smuggle drugs into the United States. His strategic acumen and ruthless tactics brought him considerable influence and wealth, making him a notorious figure in the global drug trade.

Rafael Caro Quintero’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Rafael Caro Quintero’s estimated net worth is $500 million, according to Forbes. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account his various business ventures and assets.

Career

Rafael Caro Quintero, born in 1952, is a Mexican businessman and former leader of the Guadalajara Cartel. He rose to prominence in the 1980s, controlling a significant portion of Mexico’s drug trade. He was arrested in 1985 and served 28 years in prison before being released in 2013. Post-release, he has kept a low profile, focusing on legal business ventures.

Other Ventures

After his release from prison, Caro Quintero has been involved in various legitimate businesses. He owns and operates several ranches and farms in Mexico, focusing on cattle and agricultural production. Additionally, he has invested in real estate, with properties in Mexico and the United States. He also has interests in mining and construction industries.

Assets

Caro Quintero’s assets include numerous properties across Mexico and the United States, with a reported value of over $200 million. He owns several ranches and farms, totaling over 100,000 acres. His real estate portfolio includes luxury homes in cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City. He also has interests in several businesses, including mining and construction companies.

Annual Income

While Caro Quintero’s annual income is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. This is derived from his various business ventures, including his ranches, farms, and real estate investments. His exact earnings are difficult to pinpoint due to the nature of some of his business dealings and the lack of public financial records.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Rafael Caro Quintero

Frequently Asked Questions: Rafael Caro Quintero Net Worth

1. Who is Rafael Caro Quintero?

Rafael Caro Quintero is a Mexican drug lord who was a founding member of the Guadalajara Cartel in the 1980s. He is known for his involvement in the 1985 kidnapping and murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique Camarena.

2. What is Rafael Caro Quintero’s net worth?

Rafael Caro Quintero’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million.

3. How did Rafael Caro Quintero make his money?

Caro Quintero made his fortune through his involvement in the drug trade, specifically the production and distribution of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.

4. Where is Rafael Caro Quintero now?

As of now, Rafael Caro Quintero is in custody in Mexico. He was arrested in 2015 and is currently serving a 40-year sentence for the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena.

5. Is Rafael Caro Quintero still active in the drug trade?

No, Rafael Caro Quintero is no longer actively involved in the drug trade. He has been in custody since 2015 and is currently serving a prison sentence.

6. What is the Guadalajara Cartel?

The Guadalajara Cartel was a Mexican drug trafficking organization that operated in the 1980s. It was one of the first major drug cartels in Mexico and was known for its involvement in the smuggling of cocaine into the United States.

7. Who were the other members of the Guadalajara Cartel?

Other notable members of the Guadalajara Cartel included Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, and Juan José Esparragoza Moreno (also known as “El Azul”).

8. What was Rafael Caro Quintero’s role in the Guadalajara Cartel?

Rafael Caro Quintero was one of the founding members of the Guadalajara Cartel. He was responsible for the transportation and distribution of cocaine, as well as the production and distribution of heroin and marijuana.

9. What is the DEA’s involvement with Rafael Caro Quintero?

The DEA has been involved in the investigation and pursuit of Rafael Caro Quintero since the 1980s. Their involvement includes the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena, as well as efforts to capture and prosecute Caro Quintero for his drug trafficking activities.

10. What is the status of the case against Rafael Caro Quintero in the U.S.?

The U.S. government has an outstanding arrest warrant for Rafael Caro Quintero on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena. However, due to his imprisonment in Mexico, it is unclear when or if he will be extradited to the United States to face these charges.