Mexico extradites record 64 criminals to U.S.
Source: Reuters
MEXICO CITY, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Mexico has extradited a record 64 drug kingpins and people smugglers to the United States so far this year, a U.S. diplomat said on Tuesday, part of Mexican President Felipe Calderon's war on drug cartels. Mexico extradited 63 drug traffickers and dangerous criminals to the United States in 2006 and 41 in 2005. Drug kingpins held in Mexican prisons often run their cartels from behind bars, making extradition crucial. The highest-profile extradition so far this year was that of Osiel Cardenas, who is accused of running the powerful Gulf Cartel bordering Texas. Mexico extradited trafficker Hilario Larrago on Tuesday to face methamphetamine smuggling charges in Georgia. "Citizens on both sides of the border can sleep better knowing that justice will be served," said Tony Garza, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, in a statement.
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