From AP [2], Aug. 28:
Mexico has broken its record for the most extraditions to the United States in a year, shipping a man north of the border Tuesday who is wanted in Georgia for drug trafficking. Hilario Larrago, who faces methamphetamine trafficking charges, is the 64th fugitive sent to the United States by Mexico this year. Last year, Mexico sent 63 suspects to the United States, U.S. Ambassador in Mexico Tony Garza said in a statement.
"This impressive accomplishment clearly shows that our teamwork is making it increasingly more difficult for criminals to cross the border in hope of finding a safe haven," Garza said.
Garza said that of this year's extraditions, 52 are Mexican citizens and the rest U.S. citizens or nationals of other countries. Twenty-six were extradited to face drug trafficking charges, 21 for murder, 14 for violent sexual offenses, one for alien smuggling, one for kidnapping and another for theft of U.S. Treasury checks.
"I applaud President (Felipe) Calderon and all Mexican law enforcement agencies for supporting this strong U.S.-Mexico partnership against crime that crosses our borders,"
In January, shortly after Calderon took office, Mexico extradited four alleged top drug traffickers, including purported Gulf cartel leader Osiel Cardenas.
See our last posts on Mexico [3] and the narco wars [4].
