Official announcements from Mexican law enforcement or judicial authorities

Osiel Cárdenas Guillén Deported to Mexico, Faces Up to 730 Years in Altiplano Prison

Dec 17, 2024, 02:13 AM

Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, the former leader of the Gulf Cartel and founder of Los Zetas, has been deported from the United States to Mexico after serving 14 years of a 25-year sentence for drug trafficking and violence. Cárdenas was handed over to Mexican authorities at the border city of Tijuana, Baja California, and subsequently transferred to the Altiplano prison in the State of Mexico. He faces multiple charges in Mexico, including homicide, illegal possession of firearms, organized crime, crimes against health, and money laundering. The deportation was confirmed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which noted that the transfer occurred without incident. Mexican authorities have reactivated seven federal criminal proceedings against him, with potential sentences that could accumulate to up to 730 years in prison.