"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
At Rafael Caro-Quintero's arraignment in New York federal court, Assistant US Attorney Saritha Komatireddy said Caro-Quintero "pioneered Mexican drug trafficking" and the violent enforcement of his cartel's turf.
His court-appointed attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and did not contest pretrial detention. Caro Quintero was among 29 top drug operatives in Mexico who were expelled and transferred to the U.S. under pressure from the Trump administration.
Judge Robert M. Levy clarified in court Caro Quintero was expelled from Mexico under a provision within the national security law, which permits the Mexican government to remove an individual without undergoing the formal extradition process.
Judge Robert M. Levy clarified in court Caro Quintero was expelled from Mexico under a provision within the national security law, which permits the Mexican government to remove an individual without undergoing the formal extradition process.
