One of Mexico's most ruthless cartel kingpins, believed to have masterminded the brutal torture and murder of American DEA agents 40 years ago, was handed over to the United States to face justice.
1985, 37 years old Enrique “Kiki” Camarena He was working in secret in Mexico on behalf of the DEA when he and his pilot were mercilessly accused and beat about 30 hours before they finally died.
On March 5th that year they were found on the side of a road about 60 miles southwest of Guadalajara, Washington Times It has been reported. They were wrapped in plastic and thrown away like garbage.
Camarena's skull, face and windpipe had been destroyed and holes were drilled in her head by a driver, the Times said. He also reportedly had the drug injected while bashing, which led him to remain conscious.
Screenshot of portrait of Special Agent Enrique Camarena on the DEA website.
Camarena apparently was targeted as she provided information to Mexican authorities. 2,500 acres of marijuana farm It belongs to Rafael Carroquintero, considered to be the founder of the Guadalajara Cartel. Quintero was later convicted of Camarena's murder in a Mexican court and sentenced to 40 years in a bar.
In 2013, after 28 years of service, Quintero was technically released from prison. The Mexico Supreme Court overturned the verdict that he had run out of prison, but Quintero fled and joined forces with the Sinaloa Cartel, a descendant of the Guadalajara cartel.
He was loose until July 2022 when members of the Mexican Navy captured him in Sinaloa. However, his capture took a great deal after a helicopter carrying Mexican soldiers assigned to his case crashed in a nearby town, killing 14 Mexican Marines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxih2hrmfs
“When he goes to trial, Kiki's murder will come out and the fact that he ordered the murder will be revealed.”
Quintero has since been charged with federal drug trafficking charges in the United States At least 2020. Now he will eventually appear in US court after he and nearly 30 other cartel affiliates have been handed over from Mexico to the US.
Quintero is charged in New York, Texas and California, but is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn federal court on Friday.
The Trump administration, which leaned heavily towards Mexico and did more to contain the deadly cartel, has promised that Quinterro and 28 other defendants will go to trial.
“As President Trump has made it clear, the cartel is a terrorist group, and the Justice Department is dedicated to destroying cartels and cross-border gangs,” Attorney General Pam Bondy said in a statement.
“We will prosecute these criminals to the fullest of the law in honor of brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers and in some cases have given their lives to protect innocent people from the tragedy of an innocent cartel. We will not take a break until we have secured the justice of the Americans.”
Deputy DEA Administrator Derek Marz said In particular, Quintero's name is “standing on the rest” of the DEA family.
“this The moment is very personal For DEA men and women who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA special agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena. It's also a victory for the Camarena family. Today we send a message to all cartel leaders, all human traffickers, and all cartel leaders who make our community all criminal addiction. You are accountable. No matter how long it takes or how hard it runs, justice will find you. ”
Ray Donovan, former head of the New York DEA office, is believed to have captured the infamous Mexican drug Lord El Cha Cha Cha Cha Capcha, but similarly told the New York Post that extradition of Quinterro was “personal.”
“This is bigger than Chapo for me and all the other DEA agents,” Donovan said. “This was personal.”
Quintero faces many accusations, but for now, murder is not one of them. However, Donovan believes Quintero will still be held in order to explain Camarena's horrific death and the grief of his widow and son.
“When he goes to trial, the Kiki murder will come out and the fact that he ordered the murder will be revealed,” Donovan said.
Mexican authorities also acknowledged the importance of extraditions between the two countries involved. “This action is part of coordination, cooperation and bilateral interaction within the framework of respect for the sovereignty of both countries,” the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
even New York TimesHe gave many of the extradition to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, but had to admit that “the concessions of Mexican officials seem to be Trump's early victory.”
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