Mexico Accuses DEA Of Fabricating Ex-defence Chief Crimes
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 15, 2021 | 10:56 PM
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday accused the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of fabricating crimes in the case of a former defence minister whose arrest sparked diplomatic tensions
Mexico City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2021 ) :Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday accused the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of fabricating crimes in the case of a former defence minister whose arrest sparked diplomatic tensions.
The detention of Salvador Cienfuegos at a Los Angeles airport in October had surprised and irritated the Mexican government, which successfully pushed for him to be sent home to face possible prosecution.
Lopez Obrador said he supported Mexican prosecutors' decision to take no action over "the accusation that was fabricated against General Cienfuegos by the US agency in charge of fighting drugs, the DEA." Cienfuegos, a key figure in ex-president Enrique Pena Nieto's 2012 to 2018 government, was accused by the US of conspiring to produce and distribute "thousands of kilograms" of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana.
The retired general, nicknamed "The Godfather," had faced a possible life sentence in the US if convicted of the drug trafficking and money laundering charges, which he denied.
After diplomatic pressure, the US Department of Justice in November unexpectedly asked a New York judge to release the 72-year-old so that Mexico could hold its own probe and potentially try him.
The Mexican attorney general's office on Thursday exonerated Cienfuegos, concluding that he "never had any meeting with the members of the criminal organization investigated by the US authorities.
"He did not have any communication with them, nor did he carry out acts intended to protect or help those individuals," it added.
Prosecutors said there was also no evidence that the retired general "had issued any order to favor" criminals or "obtained illegal income."The arrest had put Lopez Obrador in an uncomfortable position because he has close links to the military and has given it increased responsibilities.
Mexican lawmakers last month approved security law reforms pushed by Lopez Obrador stripping foreign agents including the DEA of diplomatic immunity, to the dismay of US authorities.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
2 minutes ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
12 minutes ago -
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
26 minutes ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
26 minutes ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
1 hour ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
1 hour ago
-
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
1 hour ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
2 hours ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
2 hours ago -
Oman, UAE deluge 'most likely' linked to climate change: scientists
2 hours ago -
BHP launches $38.8 billion takeover bid for rival Anglo American
2 hours ago -
Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
2 hours ago