**63 Extraditions in 2024**
In the first nine months of 2024 and the beginning of October, the Mexican Foreign Ministry has handed over 63 individuals to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Poland. These extraditions are part of ongoing efforts to bring criminals to justice for their alleged involvement in a range of offenses. Those extradited have been accused of crimes such as drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, fraud, sexual abuse, and child pornography.
The majority of extraditions were to the United States, where courts across states like Arizona, New Jersey, California, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Kentucky, and New Mexico have issued arrest warrants, mostly for Mexican nationals. Notably, this year, seven women accused of health-related crimes were among those extradited.
Among those extradited, many were involved in illegal drug trafficking, particularly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS). Humberto Arredondo Soto, a noted figure within the CDS, was one such individual. He was extradited to face charges in the U.S. stemming from allegations of being a major supplier of drugs in Phoenix, Arizona.
Additionally, Luis Felipe López Zamora, known as “El Gordo,” a reported operative for Los Chapitos, was extradited to face charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering. He is also suspected of working with Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán’s sons between 2019 and 2021.
From the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), notable extraditions include Juan Manuel Abouzaid El Bayeh, known as “El Árabe,” who faced charges of conspiracy related to drug trafficking. Furthermore, Francisco Pulido Coracero, accused of supplying chemical precursors to the CJNG, was extradited for charges of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine substances.
One of the most celebrated extraditions by the U.S. government was that of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, alias “El Nini,” a reputed security chief for “Los Chapitos.” He faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking and weapons possession.
There are still many individuals being held in Mexican prisons awaiting extradition, such as Rafael Caro Quintero and several high-profile cartel leaders. The process continues as authorities aim to curb organized crime and bring criminals to justice internationally.
**Secondary Article: Mexican Drug Cartel Dynamics Shift**
The ongoing extraditions are reflective of broader changes in Mexican cartel operations. With high-profile leaders being extradited, cartels are reportedly adapting their strategies and hierarchies. Rising focus on synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine has been noted, altering the landscape of drug trafficking networks.
According to recent reports, cartels are increasingly resorting to sophisticated money laundering operations and leveraging digital currencies to bypass traditional financial surveillance. This shift requires international cooperation and advanced technological measures to effectively combat.
The extraditions also highlight international partnerships emphasizing cooperation between Mexico and countries like the U.S. and Canada, aiming to address the transnational nature of drug trafficking operations. Future extradition efforts could see the trend continuing as authorities on both sides collaborate to tackle the impacts of organized crime on a global scale.