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**Primary Article**
**Legal Action Against District Judge for Release of ‘El Contador’, Gulf Cartel Leader’s Nephew**
On December 3, 2024, the head of the Mexican Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced that legal action will be taken against District Judge Gregorio Salazar Hernández. This decision comes after the judge ordered a change in custody status, leading to the release of “El Contador”, a prominent figure in the Gulf Cartel (CDG) and nephew of the cartel’s founder, Osiel Cárdenas Guillén. The announcement was made during a national press conference alongside the initiation of a legal investigation into Salazar Hernández for allegedly undermining the justice system.
The judge, who presides over cases in the Federal Penal Justice Center in Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico, had previously approved a change in the precautionary measures for José Alfredo Cárdenas Martínez, “El Contador”, on November 20, citing insufficient evidence from prosecutors to justify continued pretrial detention.
Cárdenas Martínez had been under scrutiny from both Mexican authorities and the U.S. Department of Justice on charges relating to international drug trafficking and organized crime. The U.S. Justice Department had petitioned Mexico for his extradition in 2022.
**Secondary Article**
**Background and Implications of ‘El Contador’s Release**
José Alfredo Cárdenas Martínez, also known as “El Contador”, assumed leadership of the Gulf Cartel following previous arrests of key figures. His criminal involvement includes charges in the United States for conspiracy to distribute massive quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Despite prior arrests in Mexico, legal technicalities have repeatedly led to his release. This trend has raised questions about the integrity of judicial processes in dealing with organized crime, spurring both national and international interest.
**Judicial System Under Scrutiny**
The recent legal proceedings highlight inherent challenges within Mexico’s judicial structure when dealing with high-profile organized crime figures. The repeated legal challenges and subsequent releases have created friction between the judicial and law enforcement sectors, emphasizing the need for reforms to uphold justice effectively. These incidents have implications for international relations, particularly regarding drug enforcement collaborations between Mexico and the United States.
**U.S. Involvement and Extradition Requests**
Given the serious charges pending against Cárdenas Martínez in the United States, his release complicates diplomatic relations and law enforcement efforts. The collaboration between U.S. agencies like the DEA and Mexican counterparts is critical in addressing cross-border crime, and such judicial decisions can potentially strain these partnerships.
**Conclusion**
The legal actions initiated against Judge Gregorio Salazar Hernández may set a precedent in how such cases are approached in the future, reinforcing accountability within the judicial process. The outcome of this case could impact not only national law enforcement strategies but also influence international cooperation in combating drug-related crimes.
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