Mexico again hands over 26 drug traffickers to the United States

The Mexican government has handed over to U.S. authorities 26 alleged drug traffickers and high-profile criminals wanted for violent and serious crimes, including leaders and operators of the Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Northeast cartels, as well as those responsible for human trafficking and homicides.

Among those extradited are Abigael González Valencia, alias Cuini, leader of Los Cuinis; Kevin Gil Acosta and Martín Zazueta Pérez, security chiefs for the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel; Servando Gómez Martínez, alias La Tuta, former leader of La Familia Michoacana and Los Caballeros Templarios; Abdul Karim Conteh, a Sierra Leonean national accused of running an international human trafficking network; and Leobardo García Corrales, identified as a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel and alleged associate of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

Additionally, Luis Raúl Castro Valenzuela, alias Chacho, is accused of kidnapping; and Juan Carlos Félix Gastélum, alias Chavo Félix, is identified as the main operator of the Sinaloa Cartel's methamphetamine laboratories.

Roberto Salazar, wanted for the murder of Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Juan Escalante, was also handed over, as was Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuño, alias Flaquito, a violent boss from the Tijuana Plaza.

The detainees face federal and state charges in the United States, including drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, organized crime, money laundering, and illegal use of firearms.

Security advances

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that this operation is "yet another example of the Trump administration's historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations" and thanked Mexican authorities for their cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson emphasized that this joint action is a "milestone in the collaboration" between Presidents Donald J. Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum, and that it represents an important step toward ensuring the security of both countries.

In addition, U.S. authorities stated that the 26 individuals will appear before federal courts in different parts of the neighboring country and face sentences of up to life in prison.

For his part, the head of the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, stated that the action was carried out in "strict compliance with the National Security Law" and a request made by the U.S. Department of Justice, who pledged not to seek the death penalty for the accused. He also indicated that more details would be provided today.