Mexican Drug Lord Rafael Caro Quintero Pleads Not Guilty in 1985 Killing of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena

Rafael Caro Quintero, a prominent Mexican drug lord, faced charges in New York for orchestrating the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment. Another cartel leader, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, also pleaded not guilty to separate charges. This legal action comes amidst U.S.-Mexico diplomatic tensions regarding drug trafficking and security cooperation.

On Friday, Rafael Caro Quintero, the notorious Mexican drug cartel leader and one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives, appeared in court in New York to face serious charges, including his role in the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The White House referred to him as “one of the most evil cartel bosses in the world” prior to the arraignment, which was notably attended by over 100 DEA agents and federal officials.

Caro Quintero, aged 72 and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, made little spoken contribution during the proceedings as his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Another cartel figure, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, also pleaded not guilty; however, unlike Caro Quintero, he is not accused of involvement in Camarena’s murder.

Prosecutors assert that Caro Quintero targeted Camarena to retaliate against his investigation into a vast marijuana farm, leading to the DEA agent’s kidnapping, torture, and subsequent murder. The family of Camarena expressed gratitude for the long-awaited accountability, saying, “For 14,631 days, we held on to hope — hope that this moment would come. Hope that we would live to see accountability.”

Caro Quintero and Carrillo Fuentes, along with 27 other prisoners, were transferred to the United States as part of Mexico’s efforts to avoid potential tariffs from the Trump administration. Mexico’s Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, emphasized that this move was a commitment to address national security and combatting organized crime, stating, “It is not a commitment to the United States. It is a commitment to ourselves.”

Caro Quintero is recognized as a key figure in the Guadalajara cartel and a major contributor to drug trafficking into the U.S. After being released from a 40-year sentence in Mexico due to a court ruling in 2013, he reportedly returned to drug trafficking, which led to his arrest by Mexican authorities in 2022. Despite past claims of abandoning drug trafficking, U.S. authorities added him to the FBI’s 10 most wanted list, offering a reward of $20 million for information leading to his capture.

Carrillo Fuentes is the sibling of the deceased drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes and has been accused of perpetuating drug trafficking operations. His lawyer contended that the flow of drugs into the U.S. originated long before Carrillo Fuentes assumed control of the Juarez cartel. DEA Special Agent Frank Tarentino III commended Camarena’s legacy, describing him as a symbol of strength, honor, and determination.

Rafael Caro Quintero’s recent arraignment in New York represents a significant event in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime. As he faces charges related to the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena, it highlights the efforts of U.S. authorities to seek justice and accountability. The simultaneous arraignment of other cartel figures underscores the complexity of addressing drug-related violence and the intricate relationship between U.S. and Mexican authorities in combatting these issues.

Original Source: www.2news.com