In a significant advance in the fight against organized crime, 29 drug traffickers were handed over to the United States, including two of the most dangerous criminals operating in Veracruz and Oaxaca. Among them was 'Compa Playa,' who managed to obtain an injunction one day before being sent to U.S. territory along with 27 other narcos. This aspect has generated controversy, as documents obtained showed that 'Compa Playa' had stalled his judicial process multiple times, evidencing possible dealings with judges and agents related to violence.
'Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Citizen Security, mentioned in a press conference the alleged judicial complicity in delaying the legal processes of these drug traffickers before their extradition. Itiel Palacios García, known as 'Compa Playa,' is considered an influential leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, key in the violence in Veracruz and in the drug trafficking to the United States. His capture and handover to the United States represent an important achievement in the fight against organized crime.
Despite previous arrests, 'Compa Playa' had managed to evade justice, highlighting the significance of his current capture. Regarding the handover of the 29 leaders to the United States, who will likely face the death penalty, Mexican authorities explained that it was not an extradition. It was mentioned that some judges possibly favored the narcos, delaying or releasing them, which led to the decision to send them to the United States under the National Security Law and the Constitution.
It has been emphasized that the United States had requested the handover of some of these leaders for decades. Alejandro Gertz Manero, Attorney General of the Republic, justified the legal action under Article 5 of the National Security Law and Article 89 of the Constitution. The 29 drug traffickers were sent - not extradited - to the United States, according to Mexican law.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, did not directly refer to the historic handover of drug traffickers but criticized the Judiciary. 'Compa Playa' served as the head of financial operations within the criminal group, overseeing drug trafficking and the illegal possession of weapons.
