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Border & Immigration

Drug Kingpin Arellano Felix Sentenced to Life in Prison

Drug Kingpin Arellano Felix Sentenced to Life in Prison

A federal judge in San Diego has sentenced Mexican drug cartel leader Francisco Javier Arellano Felix to life in prison without the chance of parole. Arellano Felix pleaded guilty to running a criminal enterprise and conspiring to launder money. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

U.S. authorities caught Francisco Javier Arellano Felix 15 months ago on a sportfishing boat off the coast of Baja California.

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In September, he pleaded guilty to running a criminal enterprise and conspiring to launder money.

He admitted to importing hundreds of tons of cocaine, murdering and kidnapping numerous people and bribing Mexican law enforcement and military officials.

The U.S. attorney general agreed not to seek the death penalty in the case in exchange for Francisco Javier's plea.

In court, Francisco Javier's attorney read a statement his client wrote. Francisco Javier asked forgiveness from people on both sides of the border who he's affected with his wrongful decisions and criminal conduct.

He also apologized to his mother, wife and children for leaving them alone as he serves a life sentence.

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Amy Isackson, KPBS News.