Mexico has extradited Rafael Caro Quintero, a notorious drug lord linked to the 1985 murder of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. Quintero, once a powerful figure in the Mexican drug trade, was among 29 individuals sent to the United States on Thursday to face justice.
Who is Rafael Caro Quintero?
Rafael Caro Quintero is a Mexican drug trafficker who played a crucial role in the country's narco wars. He was one of the co-founders of the now-defunct Guadalajara Cartel and was convicted of orchestrating the abduction, torture, and murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985.
The Murder of Kiki Camarena
Kiki Camarena was a dedicated DEA agent who joined the organization in 1974. He worked in Mexico for over four years, investigating large-scale marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In early 1985, while close to uncovering a major drug network, he was kidnapped while on his way to a luncheon with his wife. His brutal capture and torture were later dramatized in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico.
Quintero's Arrest, Release, and Re-Capture
Quintero was arrested in Mexico in 1985 and sentenced to 40 years in prison for Camarena’s murder. However, in 2013, he was unexpectedly released after serving 28 years when a Mexican judge ruled that he had been improperly tried. Soon after, he went into hiding.
In 2018, the FBI added him to its 10 Most Wanted list and offered a $20 million reward for information leading to his capture. The FBI claimed he was still involved in the Sinaloa cartel and other criminal operations in Badiraguato, Sinaloa.
Nearly a decade after his release, in 2022, Quintero was re-arrested in Mexico. The U.S. quickly pushed for his extradition so he could face justice.
Extradition to the United States
On Thursday, February 15, 2025, Mexico extradited Rafael Caro Quintero to the U.S., fulfilling an effort that had been in motion for years. He was sent along with 28 other criminals involved in drug trafficking and organized crime.
Other Extradited Criminals
Among those extradited were several high-profile cartel members, including:
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José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza (El Güerito) – Right-hand man of El Chapito.
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Antonio Oseguera (Tony Montana) – Brother of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, El Mencho.
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Miguel Ángel and Óscar Omar Treviño Morales (Z40 and Z42) – Key figures of Los Zetas.
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Vicente Carrillo Fuentes (El Viceroy) – A major player in the Juárez Cartel.
Impact on U.S.-Mexico Relations
The extradition came just days before the U.S. was set to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican imports. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that while Mexico and the U.S. may use different terminology for these groups, both nations share the fight against cartel-related violence.
Quintero's Court Appearance
Quintero is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn Federal Court on Friday. DEA agents are expected to be present in large numbers, and many may speak outside the courthouse following the arraignment.
Conclusion
The extradition of Rafael Caro Quintero marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug cartels. The U.S. and Mexico continue to collaborate on dismantling organized crime networks, ensuring that notorious criminals like Quintero face justice for their crimes.
