Mexico began the process of handing over dozens of high-level cartel leaders and members to the United States in 1985, including Rafael Carroquintero, a former leader of the Guadalajara cartel who was involved in the temptation and murder of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Agent Agent Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
The founders of Los Zetas, Miguel and Omar Morales, also known as Z-40 and Z-42, will also be handed over to the United States.
The extradition was made at the request of the US government as President Donald Trump's tariff deadline approaches. One of the president's demands is that Mexico crack down on the production and distribution of dangerous cartels and fentanyl.
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“This morning, 29 people deprived of their freedom at various criminal centres across the country were transported to the United States, which was necessary for connections with criminal organizations for drug trafficking.
“The custody, transfer, and formal delivery of those with such persons will be under institutional protocols in accordance with the Constitutional and National Security Act and in the request of the U.S. Department of Justice, with just respect for fundamental rights.
“This action is part of the challenges of coordination, cooperation and bilateral interaction within the framework of respect for the sovereignty of both countries.”
President Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico, and officials like Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are now working with the US to undertake drug cartels and fentanyl. (Reuters)
The Associated Press reported that the removal of Mexican drug-raiser coincided with a visit to Washington, D.C. by Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente and other top economic and military officials who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The meeting was the latest in ongoing negotiations with the US on trade and security ties that have changed radically since Trump returned to his elliptical office on January 20th.
The negotiations have handed over Karo Quintero, one of the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives. Caro Quintero was released in 1985 when the court sentenced 40 years in prison for the invitation and murder of DEA agent Camarena.
Released by the FBI, this image shows a wanted poster for Rafael Caro Quintero. (FBI via AP, file)
Karo Quintero was arrested again by the Mexican military in July 2022, when he allegedly returned to drug trafficking in July 2022. He is a former leader of the Guadalajara cartel. DEA claims He returned to drug trafficking and ordered a bloody attack in the North Mexican border state of Sonora.
Karo Quintero is said to have condemned Camarena for attacking a marijuana plantation in 1984 and ordered the invitation the following year. Camarena's body was found a month later with evidence of torture and abuse.
The FBI added Caroquinterro to the top 10 most wanted list in 2018, offering up to $20 million in compensation for information that led to Quinterro's arrest and conviction.
Mexico's NABS FBI Most Wanted Cartel boss was accused of murder of DEA agents in the 80s
The cartel sells rainbow fentanyl pills, says DEA. (Drug Enforcement Bureau)
In January, a nonprofit representing the Camarena family urged the Trump administration to renew long-standing US demands that Mexico hand over the Caroquin terrorism.
“His return to the United States will provide much-needed closure to the family and provide the greatest benefits of justice,” the letter said.
Since taking office, Trump has threatened to impose trade tariffs on Mexico, with several Mexican cartels being designated by the State Department as foreign terrorist organizations.
The US had sought extradition of Karo Quintero shortly after his arrest in 2022. However, as Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, predecessor and political leader of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, he thwarted Mexican cooperation that denies Mexico's political cooperation.
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The removal of the Trevinho Morales brothers marks the end of a long process that began after the 2013 capture of Miguel Trevinho Morales and his brother Omar. This process was described by Mexican General Alejandro Gäzmanelo as “truly shameful.”
The Trevinho Morales family, accused of running a violent northeastern cartel from prison, has been pending accusations in the United States of America of allegedly participating in criminal organizations, drug trafficking, gun attacks and money laundering.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
