Infamous Mexican Drug Kingpins: Rafael Caro Quintero and the Murder of Kiki Camarena
The Capture of Rafael Caro Quintero
A trio of notorious Mexican drug kingpins, including Rafael Caro Quintero, were extradited to the United States on Thursday night and arrived at Brooklyn Federal Court on Friday morning. Caro Quintero, 82, was wanted for the 1974 murder of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a former undercover agent who had been working against the cartel.
The Murder of Kiki Camarena
Camarena was kidnapped while having lunch with his wife in 1974. He was a key figure in the investigation against the cartel, and his murder sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. Caro Quintero was later captured and admitted to the murder, serving 28 years of a 40-year sentence. However, a Mexican judge later ruled that he was wrongly tried and his case was tossed, leading to his release from prison in 2013.
The FBI’s Top 10 Fugitive List
In 2018, the FBI added Caro Quintero to their top 10 fugitive list, branding him armed and dangerous. A $20 million bounty was placed on his capture, making him one of the most wanted fugitives in the world.
The DEA’s Response
A representative from the DEA’s office praised the dedication of their agents and said, "We will never forget the sacrifices of officer Camarena. This is a reminder that our agents will come get you anywhere on the globe." The DEA held a press conference to mark the occasion, with agents walking with the family of Kiki Camarena.
The Netflix Documentary "Narcos"
The shocking crime and lifestyle of Caro Quintero and the cartel were dramatized in the Netflix documentary series "Narcos," which explored the rise and fall of the cartel and its leaders.
Conclusion
The capture of Rafael Caro Quintero marks a major victory for law enforcement and a reminder of the sacrifices made by agents like Kiki Camarena. The extradition of the drug kingpin to Brooklyn Federal Court is a significant step towards justice for the family of Camarena and the victims of the cartel’s crimes.
FAQs
Q: Who is Rafael Caro Quintero?
A: Rafael Caro Quintero is a Mexican drug kingpin wanted for the 1974 murder of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.
Q: Why was Caro Quintero released from prison in 2013?
A: A Mexican judge ruled that Caro Quintero was wrongly tried and his case was tossed, leading to his release from prison.
Q: What was the FBI’s response to Caro Quintero’s capture?
A: The FBI added Caro Quintero to their top 10 fugitive list and placed a $20 million bounty on his capture, branding him armed and dangerous.
