Mexican drug lord convicted of killing DEA agent ordered released from prison

A Mexican court on Friday ordered the release of drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero after 28 years in prison.

The move overturns his conviction for the 1985 kidnap and killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

The court threw out Quintero’s 40-year sentence for the murder, ruling on Wednesday he was improperly tried in a federal court for a crime taht should have been treated as a state offense.

Prison officials were notified Thursday, though it was unclear if he had been released yet.

DEA Statement on Release of Rafael Caro-Quintero from Mexican Prison

TheDrug Enforcement Administration is deeply troubled to learn of the decision by a Mexican court to release infamous drug trafficker Rafael Caro-Quintero from a Mexican prison. Caro-Quintero had been serving a 40-year prison sentence in connection with the kidnapping, torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enriqu “Kiki” Camarena in February 1985. Caro-Quintero was the mastermind and organizer of this atrocious act. We are reminded every day of the ultimate sacrifice paid by Special Agent Camarena, and DEA will vigorously continue its efforts to ensure Caro-Quintero faces charges in the United States for the crimes he committed.