05/02/11— The Attorney General’s Office announced the extradition of alleged drug lord Benjamin Arellano Félix, also known as “El Señor” or “Min”, to the U.S. on Friday, April 29, for charges of suspected involvement with organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The United States requested his extradition to California where he will be prosecuted in front of Judge Larry Burns, who has also prosecuted 2 of his brothers.
The Attorney General reports that Arellano Félix was considered to be the “brains” of the Arellano Félix cartel, which has operated in the border regions of Tijuana and Mexicali since 1986. Benjamin was initially arrested in 2002 and was serving a 22-year sentence that was issued in 2007. In 2010, he was granted extradition to the U.S. by a court in the State of Mexico.
The Arellano Félix cartel is accused of controlling much of the flow of cocaine and marijuana that has entered the United States, and according to Yucatan.com is “one of the most brutal drug networks in the world.” The cartel has allegedly also profited hundreds of millions of dollars from their work in the drug trade in Baja California.
The U.S. Attorney General for the Southern District of California, Laura Duffy, gave a special thank you to the Government of Mexico and the newly appointed Mexican Attorney General, Marisela Morales, for their support and assistance in the extradition of Benjamin Arellano Félix. Duffy also noted how this operation reflects the close collaboration between Mexico and the United States.
With the death or imprisonment of all of the men of the Arellano Félix family, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) now suspects that Enedina Arellano Félix, a sister, may be the first woman in the world to be in charge of a criminal organization. Enedina is also known by her aliases- “La Jefa,” “La Madrina,” and “La Narcomami.” A former accounting student in Guadalajara, she has always been involved in the business of her brothers and has given them advice on financial matters. According to the DEA, Enedina does not have the violent traits of her brothers Ramon and Benjamin, but rather excels in with her administrative and decision making skills.
Sources:
“Benjamín Arellano Félix es extraditado a Estados Unidos.” BBC Mundo. April 29, 2011.
“Enedina, “La Jefa.” Noticiasnet.mx. May 2, 2011.
“México concede la extradición de Benjamín Arellano Félix a EU.” CNN México. April 29, 2011.
“México podría tener la primera mujer capo del narco.” Prensa Latina. May 2, 2011.
Otero, Silvia. “EU agradece a México extradición de Arellano Félix.” El Universal. April 29, 2011.
Pingback: Benjamín Arellano Félix’s Trial Begins With Removal of His Lawyer « Justice in Mexico
Pingback: Mexico Names First Female Chief of Federal Police « Justice in Mexico