Mexico Transfers 29 Top Cartel Members to U.S. Custody in Major Drug War Effort
On Thursday, the Mexican government handed over 29 high-profile cartel operatives to the United States, including notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who has been wanted by U.S. authorities for nearly four decades. The transfer marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking, as several of the individuals sent to the U.S. are considered some of the most dangerous figures in Mexican crime.
Among those transferred was Caro Quintero, a founding member of the Sinaloa Cartel and convicted mastermind of the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the move, calling it a victory in the fight against violent cartels, and emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting these criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
This major transfer comes amid rising pressure from the Trump administration on Mexico to intensify its efforts against cartels, which have long fueled violence in both Mexico and the U.S. The handover of these cartel leaders is seen as a gesture of cooperation between the Mexican government and the Trump administration, which has sought stronger actions against narcotics trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
The Mexican government emphasized the coordination between both countries, stating that the decision to transfer the criminals aligns with mutual respect for sovereignty. The move also comes as a high-level Mexican delegation meets with U.S. officials in Washington to discuss further cooperation on security matters.
In addition to Caro Quintero, several other notorious cartel figures were handed over, including Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, a former leader of the Zetas cartel, and José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel.
The U.S. government and law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, have praised Mexico’s decision as a crucial step in dismantling the criminal organizations that have had a devastating impact on both countries.