A former U.S. prosecutor says a Mexican judge's ruling makes it highly unlikely that Mexico will extradite the reputed leader of Tijuana's Arellano Felix drug cartel to the U.S. A Mexican judge has denied the U.S. extradition request saying the drug kingpin cannot be tried for the same crimes in both countries. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Benjamin Arellano Felix was, by all accounts, the CEO of the Arellano Felix drug cartel.
It's believed the cartel trafficked half off all the cocaine in the United States under his leadership.
The U.S. has long sought his extradition.
Former U.S. Attorney John Kirby helped prepare the extradition request. He's surprised by the judge's decision because he worked closely with Mexican attorneys to make sure they charged different crimes. He says the ruling could be political.
Kirby: Clearly you have a war going on in Mexico and any judge has got to have a real sense of fear that the wrong decision could cost he and his family their lives.
The Mexican government can appeal the court's decision.
During the last few years, Mexico has extradited a record number of people to the U.S. including suspected drug lords.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
