Record number of criminals extradited to the US

A record 100 alleged murderers and sex and drug offenders have been extradited this year from Mexico to the United States, where they are to stand trial.

AFP - Mexico has extradited a record 100 alleged murderers, sex and drug offenders to face trial in the United States this year, the US Department of Justice said Sunday.

The arrival of 11 more fugitives north of the US-Mexican border this weekend to face a range of charges in six states brought the overall count to "the highest yearly number of extraditions from Mexico to date," a statement said.

"The defendants are accused of various crimes, including murder, sex offenses, drug trafficking and money laundering in Texas, Washington, Florida, Indiana, California and Maryland," it said.

US Attorney General Eric Holder said the extradition "exemplifies the strong cooperative relationship between the United States and Mexico," noting that extraditions have been on the rise every year since 2001.

"By ensuring that alleged criminals are held accountable, we send a strong message that fleeing across the border does not mean you will escape justice," Holder said in a statement.

Holder said he would meet Monday with his Mexican counterpart Arturo Chavez to discuss further cooperation in the extradition of suspected criminals.

Previously, the largest number of alleged criminals extradited from Mexico to the United States in a single year was 95 in 2008.

Date created : 2009-11-02