U.S., Mexico set extradition records in 2008

The Associated Press
4:14 p.m. December 30, 2008

MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Embassy in Mexico says the two countries have set new annual records for extraditions of criminal suspects.

Ambassador Tony Garza says Mexico sent 85 suspects to the United States this year, two more than the previous high in 2007. A majority were Mexican citizens, and most were wanted on murder or drug charges.

Meanwhile the U.S. extradited 32 people to Mexico, more than the 2006 mark of 25.

Garza credits the rise in extraditions to "excellent collaboration" between U.S. and Mexican authorities.

He said Tuesday in a statement that "people on both sides of the border are safer with these dangerous fugitives off the street."

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