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Sanctions Against Fugitive Drug Lord


Mexican authorities escort accused drug cartel leader Caro-Quintero, Dec. 20, 2001, at an airport in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Mexican authorities escort accused drug cartel leader Caro-Quintero, Dec. 20, 2001, at an airport in Sinaloa, Mexico.

The U.S. Department of State announced a new reward of up to $5 million offered under the Narcotics Rewards Program for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Rafael Caro-Quintero.

The U.S. Department of State announced a new reward of up to $5 million offered under the Narcotics Rewards Program for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Rafael Caro-Quintero.

Caro-Quintero, a major Mexican narcotics trafficker and fugitive from U.S. justice, was convicted in Mexico for his involvement in Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique Camarena’s murder and received a 40-year prison sentence. On August 9, 2013, Caro-Quintero was released from a Mexican prison with 12 years remaining on his sentence. His release was both shocking and disturbing to law enforcement professionals on both side of the border.


In 1986 Congress established the Narcotics Rewards Program as a tool to assist the U.S. Government in bringing to justice major violators of U.S. narcotics laws responsible for bringing hundreds of tons of illicit drugs into the United States each year.

In 1986 Congress established the Narcotics Rewards Program as a tool to assist the U.S. Government in bringing to justice major violators of U.S. narcotics laws
​In an attempt to bring Caro-Quintero to justice and to destroy his criminal network, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated 20 entities and one individual linked to this Mexican drug trafficker. Each of those 20 designated entities are owned or controlled by one or more individuals who act on behalf of Caro-Quintero. From now on, U.S. persons will be prohibited from conducting financial or commercial transactions with these designees. The designation also freezes any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction.

The United States government strongly supports efforts by the Mexican government to fight organized crime. Our governments are in constant dialogue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on joint efforts to protect citizens and our shared border, and promote rule of law. We are working together with the government of Mexico to ensure that Caro-Quintero does not escape justice. Narcotics trafficking is an international threat and requires an international response.
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