(RightWing.org) – The DOJ established the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) in 1982 to combat transnational criminal operations using a multi-agency approach. OCDETF operations leverage resources from several agencies, including state and local law enforcement, the US Postal Service, and the US Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, and State. The task force recently facilitated the extradition of a Mexican crime boss facing federal charges in the US.
On July 16, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona issued a press release recognizing the Mexican government for its “significant assistance” in the recent extradition of Rodrigo Paez-Quintero from Mexico to the US to face federal charges related to a significant drug trafficking operation.
A federal grand jury indicted the Mexican native on multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Paez-Quintero also faces one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Each count carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Court documents allege that Paez-Quintero participated in at least nine transnational drug trafficking incidents. He allegedly moved the dangerous narcotics through Arizona’s Lukeville Port of Entry and transported them through Ajo to Phoenix.
US Attorney for the District of Arizona Gary Restaino offered his thanks to federal, foreign, and sovereign partners for their “teamwork and dedication” to capturing and extraditing Paez-Quintero. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco echoed that sentiment. She noted that the trafficker’s transfer to US custody served as “yet another example” of the Justice Department’s “partnership with Mexican law enforcement [officials] to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.”
The Justice Department also noted that “numerous open sources” have confirmed that Paez-Quintero is the nephew of Mexican kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero. Mexican authorities have held him in jail pending extradition to the US since mid-July 2022.
Caro-Quintero faces charges for his role in the kidnapping and murder of a federal agent, along with charges in the US District for Central California related to racketeering, aiding and abetting, and accessory after the fact. He is also wanted for operating a criminal enterprise and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
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