An accused leader of one of Mexico's most notorious drug cartels has pleaded guilty to federal charges of selling cocaine in a San Diego motel.
Francisco Rafael Arellano-Felix is one of seven brothers allegedly behind the Tijuana-based Arellano Felix cartel. In federal court in San Diego yesterday, he admitted selling about a half-pound of cocaine to an undercover police officer in 1980. Prosecutors say he faces up to 15 years in prison.
The 57-year-old fled to Mexico after being released on bond in September 1980.
He returned to California in September 2006 aboard a commercial flight after being extradited. Before that, Mexico often balked at sending drug kingpins to the United States. In January, Mexico extradited four alleged major drug traffickers, including purported Gulf cartel leader Osiel Cardenas.
