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Border & Immigration

Little Impact Expected to Stem From Release of Jailed Felix Member

Little Impact Expected to Stem From Release of Jailed Felix Member

Analysts who study drug trafficking in Mexico do not anticipate the release of an Arellano Felix family member will have much impact on ongoing drug wars south of the border. The eldest Arellano Felix brother was released from a San Diego prison Tuesday. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix is not to be confused with the youngest Arellano Felix brother, Javier.

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He's the drug lord who was recently sentenced to life in prison. Rafael had been in prison in Mexico since 1993. That's when he was arrested on arms and drug charges.

In 2006, he was extradited to San Diego, where he pleaded guilty to selling a half-kilo of cocaine in the early 80s.

Victor Clark directs the Bi-national Center for Human Rights in Tijuana. He says Rafael is disconnected from the cartel after so many years in prison.

Clark says the cartel already has a leader, the sister, Enedina Arellano, who’s taken control of the finances.

Clark doesn't believe the cartel is in the market for other directors.

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Amy Isackson, KPBS News.