Mexican gov't extradites alleged drug trafficker to U.S. for money laundering

The Mexican government extradited an alleged drug trafficker to the United States in order to be judged by a federal court in the state of Florida for laundering drug money, Mexico's Prosecutor's Office announced Friday.

Mexico's Attorney General Office (PGR) said the alleged criminal Juan Rafael Chavez Hidalgo was wanted by the federal court of Florida's northern district in order to prosecute him for being in charge of financial transactions that imply profits made from drug trafficking.

Chavez Hidalgo, who was imprisoned in Mexico after being captured by the military in the northern state of Chihuahua in 2008, is also accused by the federal court of allegedly being responsible for crimes such as criminal association, drug trafficking and possessing a fire arm.

The PGR's ministerial police handed over the alleged drug trafficker to the U.S. bailiffs in Mexico City airport, according to a press release issued by Mexico's Prosecutor's Office.

The PGR added that Mexico's foreign ministry had previously agreed to Chavez Hidalgo's extradition to the United States.

According to the PGR registers, the alleged drug trafficker was arrested by the military in 2008 in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua at the request of the United States. In Chihuahua, it is alleged that Chavez Hidalgo transported cocaine and marijuana. (Xinhua)