The notorious drug lord, Rafael Caro Quintero, who falls on the FBI’s list of the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive’ has finally been arrested. Some people even found it difficult to believe as they express their shock on social media.
While it may bring some relief to the authorities and citizens to have Rafael Caro Quintero arrested, the operation to capture him ended up in tragedy. Sadly, the Mexican Navy Black Hawk helicopter used in the search crashed and killed 14 people out of 15 who were onboard.
Is Rafael Caro Quintero Arrested?
Rafael Caro Quintero was arrested in the San Simón community of the Choix Municipality of Sinaloa on July 15, 2022. However, it came with a heavy cost as a Mexican Navy Black Hawk helicopter used in operation came crashing near Los Mochis, Sinaloa killing 14 military personnel out of 15.
The cause of the crash is unknown now, and the authorities have said that the investigation is going on. While some doubt that the crash may be related to the operation, the Mexican authorities have denied it.
Quintero is allegedly responsible for the 1985 kidnapping and murder plot of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar. US authorities wanted him because of this reason, as per the reports from Reuters.
In revenge for a Mexican government raid on Caro Quintero’s 2,500-acre marijuana farm in 1984, Camarena Salazar was abducted, tortured, and killed. For his part in the murder, Quintero served 28 years in a Mexican prison until being freed on a technicality in 2013.
Later, the ruling that set him free was overturned by the Mexican Supreme Court. However, by that time, he was a fugitive who had once again resumed drug trafficking as a prominent member of the Sinaloa cartel.
Where Is Rafael Caro Quintero Now In 2022?
Rafael Caro Quintero is arrested in 2022. Although his whereabouts have not been disclosed- based on how sensitive this information could be, United States Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement following his detention.
He expressed his gratitude to DEA and Mexican authorities, who worked for years to bring Rafael to justice for his alleged crimes. He also credited Max, a search and rescue dog who located the drug lord in the bushes resulting in his arrest.
He was added to the FBI’s list of the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, and a $20 million bounty was placed on his head. Additionally, he lost his final attempt to stop his extradition to the US last year.
Is Rafael Caro Quintero Still Alive Or Dead?
Rafael Caro Quintero is still alive. He is not dead, although the helicopter carrying military personnel who had aided in his capture had crashed.
It is said that Quintero was not on board, but 14 military personnel there were killed, whereas one remains in hospital with serious injuries. The crash is also currently being investigated.
Garland addressed both incidents at the same time. First, he expressed his deepest condolences to the family members of the 14 Mexican servicemembers who gave their lives in service to their country.
He also added that they would work immediately for the extradition of the criminal to the United States so that he could be tried for his crimes.