A Mexican judge has authorized the extradition to the United States of Erick Valencia Salazar, alias “El 85”, one of the founders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). “El 85” is wanted by the US justice system on charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and criminal association.
Judge Alfonso Alexander López Moreno, of the State of Mexico, rejected an appeal for protection presented by Valencia Salazar’s defense against the decision of the Mexican Foreign Ministry to authorize his extradition. However, the accused can still file an appeal for review before a collegiate court, which will have the final say on his case.
Valencia Salazar was recaptured in September 2022 by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) and held in the maximum security prison “El Altiplano.” His first arrest occurred in 2012, but he was released in 2017 due to errors in the judicial process.
The United States offered a reward of five million dollars for information leading to his capture. “El 85” is considered one of the main leaders of the CJNG, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.
The extradition of Valencia Salazar to the United States is a hard blow for the CJNG. This case is expected to have a significant impact on the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico and the region.
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