Press Releases 07
Mexican Authorities Arrest Juan Carlos de la Cruz Reyna
Narcotrafficker Wanted by U.S. and Mexican Authorities
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, August 29, 2007 – “I congratulate the Mexican
government on the arrest announced today of Juan Carlos de
la Cruz Reyna. A former police officer who later became a
leader in the infamous Gulf Cartel, de la Cruz Reyna is wanted
by Mexican authorities for murder and drug trafficking. Arrested
with eight other individuals, he will now face justice in
Mexico.
“De la Cruz is also wanted by the DEA and FBI on U.S. federal
charges of attempted kidnapping and attempted murder of federal
agents in the United States. As a leader of the Gulf Cartel,
de la Cruz was involved in a 1999 assault on U.S. law enforcement
officials, who narrowly escaped with their lives.
“The Gulf Cartel is responsible for more violence and corruption
– and has destroyed the lives of more Mexicans – than any
other narcotics trafficking organization operating in Mexico.
Gulf Cartel leaders use a highly-trained group of mercenaries,
known as “Los Zetas,” to control the movement of drugs across
the U.S.-Mexico border. Their organization dominates a significant
portion of the cross-border trade in illegal narcotics, even
though its leader, Osiel Cardenas Guillen, was extradited
to the United States in January 2007.
“I applaud the unwavering commitment of the Calderon administration,
including PGR and the Secretariat of National Defense, to
pursue, confront, and disband the armed criminal gangs operating
in Mexico. I also commend President Calderon and the dedicated
Mexican law enforcement officials who risk their lives to
bring these accused drug traffickers to justice.
“The United States government remains strongly committed
to working together with our Mexican partners, to enhance
our bilateral cooperation in the common struggle against the
scourges of drug trafficking and organized crime, which are
threatening citizens on both sides of our border.” |
