MEXICO CITY — Mexico has handed over Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious drug lord linked to the murder of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1985, to the United States. Alongside Caro Quintero, 28 other prisoners whose extradition was requested by the U.S. government have also been extradited, according to a Mexican government official.
This official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, confirmed that the extradition went ahead as planned. The Attorney General’s Office of Mexico released a statement revealing that the group of 29 individuals extradited on Thursday are facing various charges, including drug trafficking among other offenses.
The move comes as the Mexican government takes steps to mitigate the potential economic impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s possible tariff increase. Trump had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican imports if certain conditions were not met. The threat of increased tariffs could take effect as early as next week.
Rafael Caro Quintero was apprehended by Mexican authorities last year in 2022. His capture was a significant development due to his criminal notoriety and involvement in high-profile activities targeting U.S. law enforcement officers.
