**Judge Approves Extradition of “El Viceroy,” Former Leader of the Juárez Cartel**
A judge in Mexico City has given the green light for the extradition of Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, also known as “El Viceroy,” to the United States. The former leader of the Juárez Cartel and brother of the infamous drug lord “El Señor de los Cielos,” faces charges related to money laundering and drug trafficking. This decision came after Julio Veredín Sena Velázquez, Judge of the Seventh District of Amparo in Criminal Matters in Mexico City, overturned an amparo lawsuit intended to indefinitely halt his extradition.
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously approved the extradition of “El Viceroy” in July, responding to a request from a federal court in the Western District of Texas. Carrillo Fuentes had risen to power within the Juárez Cartel after the death of his brother in 1997 and had been involved in numerous cartel activities, including violent clashes with rival cartels and drug trafficking operations.
Capturing “El Viceroy” marked a significant milestone in Mexico’s fight against organized crime. He was one of the nation’s 122 top criminal targets, and authorities had put forth rewards for information leading to his capture. Arrested in 2014, he was held in Coahuila by federal police and endured multiple legal proceedings, including an extensive list of charges spanning drug trafficking and organized crime. His extradition signifies a pivotal moment in cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Mexico to dismantle cartel operations.
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**Related Article: Ongoing Crackdown on Drug Cartels**
The approved extradition of “El Viceroy” underscores the persistent challenges faced in combating organized crime. Efforts to extradite high-profile cartel leaders have intensified as both Mexican and U.S. authorities aim to destabilize cartel structures and curb the flow of drugs across borders.
In recent news, another prominent narco figure, “Don Neto,” at 94, a leader of the defunct Guadalajara Cartel, has requested release citing health reasons, further drawing attention to Mexico’s ongoing efforts in managing aged cartel leaders amidst evolving drug trade dynamics.
These developments also intersect with broader trends such as economic adjustments within Mexico, including an inflation rate of 4.56% observed in November 2024 and a modest GDP growth. As the country grapples with economic and security challenges, collaborative international enforcement actions remain crucial in addressing the complex landscape of organized crime.