Mexico drugs lord Caro Quintero's release angers US

Rafael Caro Quintero, 60, was convicted of the 1985 killing of a US drug enforcement agent

The US has reacted angrily to the early release by a Mexico court of a drugs lord who served 28 years in prison for the kidnap and murder of a US agent.

The court cut short Rafael Caro Quintero's 40-year sentence for the 1985 killing of US Drug Enforcement agent Enrique Camarena.


The Drug Enforcement Agency said the move was "deeply troubling".


Caro Quintero is still listed as one of the DEA's five top international fugitives, and the US authorities believe he has been controlling drugs money from behind bars.

"DEA will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure Caro Quintero faces charges in the United States for the crimes he committed," said the agency in a statement.

Mexico's Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam echoed those concerns, saying his office was analysing whether there were any charges pending against Caro Quintero.

DEA fugitive

One of three founding members of the Guadalajara Cartel, Caro Quintero had been arrested in Costa Rica amid a massive manhunt for cartel leaders.

Mexican Federal Police officers patrol the surroundings of the Puente Grande State prison where former top Mexican cartel boss Rafael Caro Quintero has been imprisoned Mexican police officers patrolled the surroundings of the Puente Grande prison where Rafael Caro Quintero has been held


Caro Quintero could have faced other charges or possible extradition to the US, but walked free early on Friday before media were notified.




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