An alleged high ranking member of Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel is reportedly considering a plea deal with the US Government. Jesus Labra Aviles is being held in a San Diego jail.
U.S. prosecutors say Labra was the Arellano Felix cartel's financial mastermind.
Prosecutors say he helped secure major amounts of drugs for the cartel and had a network of Mexican law enforcement and military connections for protection.
Labra's trial is set for next month.
Prosecutors have scheduled a plea hearing next week. One of Labra's attorneys says he is still discussing the possibility of a plea with his client and the government.
An attorney formerly involved in the case says he's not surprised both sides are considering a plea.
The attorney says just providing security for a trial would be a massive job, and that many of the witnesses are in protection programs. The attorney also says some of the testimony would be disturbing and defendants often don't want their families to hear it.
Labra was arrested in Tijuana nine years ago while watching his son's football game.
