News
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2002
DEA
CONFIRMS CAPTURE OF BENJAMIN ARELLANO-FELIX
![photo - Benjamin Arellano-Felix](pr030902.jpg)
Benjamin
Arellano-Felix |
DEA Administrator
Asa Hutchinson confirmed this morning the capture of Benjamin Arellano-Felix
by Mexican authorities in Puebla, Mexico. Benjamin, with brothers Ramon,
Eduardo, Javier and Francisco head one of the largest, most violent drug
trafficking organizations in the world. Ramon, the organization's chief
enforcer, is believed to have been killed in a shoot-out with authorities
in Mazatlan, Mexico on February 10.
Benjamin Arellano-Felix
is considered the patriarch of the family and the leader of its drug-trafficking
activities. Upon his arrest, Benjamin acknowledged to Mexican Authorities
that his brother Ramon had, in fact, been killed in the February 10 incident.
Benjamin is indicted out of the Southern District of California for cocaine
trafficking and money laundering violations, and has been a priority of
DEA and Mexican authorities since 1992. Recognizing the significance of
this organization, Administrator Hutchinson personally organized a DEA
Headquarters directed task force to exchange information and pool assets
in order to aid in this effort. Benjamin's arrest will have a significant
impact on the organization's ability to traffic cocaine into the U.S.
and elsewhere.
"This is a
great day for law enforcement, the Mexican Government, and citizens of
the U.S.," said Administrator Hutchinson. "I am ecstatic with
the Mexican Government's initiative and its continued cooperation with
matters of such great importance. We will continue our cooperative efforts
until all chief members of this notorious organization are brought to
justice."
Administrator Hutchinson
specifically recognized the efforts of Mexican Attorney's Office, the
Mexican Military, the DEA, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office from
the Southern District of California. The U.S. Government will pursue efforts
to extradite Benjamin to the U.S. to stand charges.
For additional information,
please contact DEA Public Affairs at 202-307-7977.
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