Pubdate: Mon, 05 Nov 2007
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2007 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Jerry Seper
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

EX-CARTEL LEADER TO BE SENTENCED ON DRUG CHARGES

The former boss of one of the world's most brutal and deadly drug
organizations, which dominated the Mexican drug trade for more than a
decade, will be sentenced today for operating a continuing criminal
enterprise and money laundering.

Francisco Javier Arellano-Felix, 37, whose organization flooded the
United States with hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and
methamphetamines, pleaded guilty in September. As part of the
agreement, federal prosecutors in San Diego will recommend a sentence
of life in prison.

Arellano-Felix and Manuel Arturo Villarreal-Heredia, 31, were named in
December in a seven-count federal grand jury indictment on charges of
racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering. The men were
accused of maintaining control of a drug-trafficking empire through
kidnappings and up to 20 killings -- including beheadings -- of drug
rivals, law-enforcement officers and journalists.

Both men were arrested in August by U.S. authorities while deep-sea
fishing 15 miles off the coast of La Paz, Mexico. The Coast Guard
apprehended them aboard a boat known as Dock Holiday.

Sentencing for Villarreal-Heredia is scheduled for Jan.
7.

The indictment described Arellano-Felix as the gang's principal
organizer and top leader since March 2000 and Villarreal-Heredia as a
hired assassin in command of crews that carried out enforcement
operations and drug-trafficking activities.

The organization, often referred to as the Tijuana cartel, has been
considered one of the most powerful and violent in Mexico.

Jesus Labra Aviles, long considered the financial mastermind of the
organization, was arrested in Mexico City in March 2000 by the Mexican
military with the support of the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration's (DEA) Tijuana office. Two months later, the Mexican
military, in coordination with the DEA, arrested top lieutenant Ismael
Higuera-Guerrero.

As part of the plea agreement, Arellano-Felix agreed to forfeit $50
million and his interest in the Dock Holiday. Villarreal-Heredia
pleaded guilty to operating an enterprise through a pattern of
racketeering activity and conspiring to invest illicit drug profits.

According to the terms of the agreement, prosecutors will recommend
that Villarreal-Heredia be sentenced to 30 years in prison and forfeit
$5 million.

"The convictions of Javier Arellano-Felix and one of his top
lieutenants are a direct consequence of our drug-enforcement strategy
to identify and attack the most powerful and violent drug-trafficking
organizations throughout the world," acting Deputy Attorney General
Craig S. Morford said at the time of the guilty pleas.
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