Mexico Extradites Former Leader of Sonora Cartel

Mexico City | February 25, 2009

Today the Government of Mexico extradited Miguel Caro Quintero, alleged former leader of the Sonora cartel responsible for the importation to the United States and distribution of multi-ton quantities of marijuana during the 1980s and 1990s.

“We are pleased to see the excellent cooperation between the United States and Mexico in the area of extraditions continuing,” said Charge d’Affaires Leslie Bassett. “Miguel Caro Quintero is accused of being responsible for poisoning the lives of many in the United States, and we appreciate Mexico’s decision to allow him to face charges in our country.”

Miguel Caro Quintero is the subject of federal indictments in Arizona and Colorado charging him with racketeering and marijuana and cocaine trafficking offenses. Prior to his extradition, he was serving a sentence in Mexico for drug-related crimes. Miguel Caro Quintero’s older brother, Rafael Caro Quintero, was accused of being the mastermind behind the kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena in 1985.