A federal judge in San Diego has sentenced a former top lieutenant in Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel to 40 years in prison. Ismael Higuera Guerrero negotiated a deal with the U.S. government after being extradited from Mexico last spring. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
Ismael Higuera Guerrero admitted that he directed the Arellano Felix Cartel's day to day operations from 1988 until Mexican federal authorities raided his Ensenada home and arrested him in 2000.
He says he paid regular bribes to government and law enforcement officials and tortured and murdered those who did not cooperate.
He also collected drug money in the U.S. to pay off Columbian cocaine suppliers.
However, in court, Higuera Guerrero's attorney said his client is a changed man, that he shows remorse for his actions, and is a practicing Christian who prays to God.
When Higuera Guerrero addressed the court, he asked the court for forgiveness for his sins in the name of Christ.
Judge Larry Burns responded it's heartening to hear Higuera Guerrero has reached an understanding with his God. But the judge said what he did was awful and he's a lucky man to have worked out a plea.
Higuera Guerro's brother Gilberto's sentencing was postponed for two weeks.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
