A couple was arrested in Jalisco for the distribution of synthetic drugs such as crystal, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Although it is unknown if they were linked to any Mexican cartel, U.S. authorities considered them a "priority target" in the fight against fentanyl trafficking, a substance responsible for about 100,000 deaths a year.
According to Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security, the detainees, identified as Aaron 'N' and Hong Thoa 'N', are related to fentanyl trafficking and possession of weapons. Both have extradition orders from the United States. The operation that led to their capture was conducted jointly by the Army, the Navy, Security, and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) in Puerto Vallarta.
The arrests occur in the context of cooperation between Mexico and the United States to stop the flow of fentanyl into the North American country. Recently, Mexico has intensified its actions against these substances, seizing significant quantities of fentanyl and deploying 10,000 members of the National Guard at the border.
Aaron and Thoa, of Asian nationality and ages 51 and 45, respectively, are in the custody of the Public Prosecutor's Office while their legal situation and a possible extradition to the United States are defined. Previous information suggests that the couple has been involved in criminal activities in both countries for over a decade.
According to reports from U.S. media, in 2013 Aaron Wilkie Murphy and Hong Thoa, alias Thao Murphy, were arrested for operating a prostitution house in Tulsa. The couple managed to be released on bail after paying about $5,000 in fines after being detained for violating a local law by keeping the establishment less than 300 meters from a school or church.
