The head of Mexico’s Gulf Cartel drug-trafficking gang was taken into custody earlier this month while shopping in Texas, authorities said Tuesday.
Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, 23, was arrested Oct. 9 in Edinburg, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas said in a joint statement with federal authorities, Reuters reported.
“He oversaw much of the violence and bloodshed that has plagued Mexico, and the [U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration] is pleased he will face justice in the United States,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart.
If convicted on conspiracy charges to distribute cocaine and marijuana, as well as a money laundering charge, the DEA said he could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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