Thread: U.S. Authorities indict 43 linked to Mexican drug cartel

Authorities indict 43 linked to Mexican drug cartel

By Sandra Dibble, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Greg Moran, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Friday, July 23, 2010 at 11:24 a.m.

SAN DIEGO — Forty-three people tied to a Mexican drug cartel were indicted Friday on racketeering and conspiracy charges. The crimes they are accused of committing include murder, kidnapping, robbery, drug smuggling and money laundering.

Those indicted are members and associates of the Fernando Sánchez Organization, an offshoot of the Arellano Félix drug cartel. The complaint also alleges that one of the conspirators, Jesús Quiñónez Márquez, director of international liaison for the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, was aware of the operation and worked with those indicted.

Quiñónez is a former homicide chief in Tijuana for the Baja California Attorney General’s Office. His most recent post was as the agency’s international liaison officer, a sensitive position that required coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Last year, Quiñónez spearheaded the launching of Baja California’s Amber Alert program.

Federal, state and local law enforcement were involved in the long-term investigation, dubbed Operation Luz Verde.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... ug-cartel/

They are MORE than just drug/smuggling cartels. They are racist hispanic/supremist organizations involved in Aztlan Reconqista. They are purposely forcing Mexicans north with threats and violence and profitting immensely from the moves. They are doing this not just for profit but to prosecute the Mexican invasion of the United States. They are WAY WAY more dangerous to our nation than you guys know....

Department of Justice Press Release

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2010 United States Attorney's Office
Southern District of California
Contact: (619) 557-5610

Forty-Three Defendants with Ties to a Drug Cartel in Mexico Charged with Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Conspiracy

Individuals Allegedly Responsible for State and Federal Crimes, Including Murder, Kidnapping, Firearms, and Drug Trafficking Violations

SAN DIEGO, CA—A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging 43 defendants with participating in a federal racketeering (RICO) conspiracy. The RICO conspiracy alleged in the complaint involves the commission of both state and federal crimes, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. As set forth in the complaint, the defendants are members and associates of the Fernando Sanchez Organization (FSO), an offshoot of the Arellano-Felix drug-trafficking cartel.

The complaint also alleges that Jesus Quiñones Marques, the Director of International Liaison for the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, was aware of the FSO’s illegal activities and used his position to obtain confidential law enforcement information for the use of the FSO. According to the complaint, he was involved in making arrangements to have various rivals of the FSO arrested and detained by Mexican law enforcement officials.

The charges stem from a long-term investigation, entitled “Operation Luz Verdeâ€