A Mexican national residing in Fresno County was identified by federal authorities as a high-ranking Sureño gang member was indicted Thursday on a charge of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Joaquin “Rascal” Aranda, 40, who authorities said is living in Sanger illegally.

According to court documents, investigators began looking into the Sureño criminal street gang operating in Fresno County in October 2025 and identified Aranda as a high-ranking member of the Reedley Sureños.

Investigators conducted three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Aranda between January and May, prosecutors said.

Agents executed a search warrant at Aranda’s residence May 28 and recovered additional methamphetamine, along with digital scales, spoons and baggies, according to court documents.

Authorities said Aranda was found with a total of 297.52 grams of methamphetamine throughout the investigation.

If convicted, Aranda faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $5 million.

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