Press Releases 07
Breaking Record of Criminal Extraditions to U.S. by Mexico,
Accused Methamphetamine Trafficker Extradited Today
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, August 28, 2007 – “Today Mexico extradited Hilario
Larrago to the United States to face methamphetamine trafficking
charges in Georgia. Larrago is the 64th fugitive extradited
by Mexico to face justice in the U.S. this year, breaking
last year’s record of 63.
“This is another example of the ever-stronger cooperation
and coordination between the Calderon administration and U.S.
law enforcement. This impressive accomplishment clearly shows
that our teamwork is making it increasingly more difficult
for criminals to cross the border in hope of finding a safe
haven.
“Accused criminals extradited over the past eight months
are now facing justice in the United States thanks to these
collaborative law enforcement efforts. Osiel Cardenas Guillen,
former leader of the Gulf Cartel, faces federal charges in
Texas for drug trafficking and assault on federal officers.
Ismael and Gilberto Higuera Guerrero from the Arellano Felix
organization, and Jesus Hector Palma Salazar of the Sinaloa
cartel face drug trafficking charges in California. Consuelo
Carreto Valencia will stand trial in New York for smuggling
Mexican women into the United States and forcing them into
prostitution.
“The crimes these fugitives have allegedly committed are
the worst of the worst, and good citizens on both sides of
the border can sleep better knowing that justice will be served
in the affected communities. Of the 64 extraditions to date
this year, 52 are Mexican citizens; the rest are US citizens
or third country nationals. As for types of crimes: 26 were
extradited for drug trafficking; 21 for murder; 14 for violent
sexual offenses, including rape, sexual assault of minors
and sex trafficking; one for alien smuggling; one for kidnapping
for ransom; and one for theft of U.S. Treasury checks.
“I applaud President Calderon and all Mexican law enforcement
agencies for supporting this strong U.S.-Mexico partnership
against crime that crosses our borders, and look forward to
continuing and building upon our already strong bilateral
efforts to bring criminals to justice.” |
