Mexico has extradited notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero and 28 other cartel fugitives to the United States, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug-related violence. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the extradition, highlighting its commitment to holding cartel leaders accountable. Caro Quintero, considered the founder of the Guadalajara cartel by Mexican authorities, faces serious charges, including his alleged involvement in the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar in 1985.
Caro Quintero's capture and extradition follow a tumultuous history. After spending 28 years in prison for Salazar's murder, he was released in 2013 on a technicality, a decision later overturned by the Mexican Supreme Court. In July 2022, the Mexican Navy recaptured him during an operation that tragically resulted in the deaths of 14 Marines due to a helicopter crash. He is expected to appear in court in New York on Friday.
“Caro Quintero, a cartel kingpin who unleashed violence, destruction, and death across the United States and Mexico, has spent four decades atop DEA’s most wanted fugitives list, and today we can proudly say he has arrived in the United States where justice will be served” – DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz
The extradition also includes notable cartel figures such as Martin Sotelo, also known as Alder Marin-Sotelo, allegedly involved in the 2022 murder of Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd in Charlotte, North Carolina. Antonio Oseguera Cervantes is said to have played a leadership role in the CJNG cartel. Meanwhile, Ramiro Perez Moreno and Lucio Hernandez Lechuga are alleged high-ranking members of Los Zetas.
“These defendants are collectively alleged to have been responsible for the importation into the United States of massive quantities of poison, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as associated acts of violence,” – DOJ statement
US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that this extradition is a triumph for the Camarena family and underscores the U.S. commitment to justice.
“This moment is extremely personal for the men and women of DEA who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena. It is also a victory for the Camarena family. Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far you run, justice will find you” – DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz
The Department of Justice further stated that this action demonstrates a clear stance against cartels.
“to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels” – US Attorney General Pam Bondi
