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Border & Immigration

Mexico Officials to Extradite Benjamin Arellano-Felix to U.S.

Mexico Officials to Extradite Benjamin Arellano-Felix to U.S.

Federal officials in Mexico say they will extradite the reputed leader of Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Benjamin Arellano Felix was, by all accounts, the CEO of Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel.

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During the 1980s the cartel grew into a drug-trafficking powerhouse just south of the border from San Diego. Under Benjamin's leadership, it's believed the cartel trafficked half of all cocaine in the United States.

Benjamin was arrested in Mexico in 2002 and has been in jail there since on drug trafficking charges.

The U.S. has long sought his extradition. For years, it’s been rumored that he could arrive in San Diego at any moment.

Mexico's federal government has finally said it will send Benjamin on charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and participating in organized crime.

The extradition overturns a Mexican judge's decision just last month to block the handover.

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Amy Isackson, KPBS News.