U.S. Indicts Alleged Cartel Leader

EL PASO, Texas (AP) – U.S. authorities have unsealedthe 2006 indictmentof asuspected Mexican drug cartel leader who officials believe was one of several men dressed in military uniforms during a high-profile border incident two years ago.

Jose Rodolfo Escajedawas charged with conspiracy to import and distribute controlled substances, John J. Riley of the Drug Enforcement Agency said Friday. Escajeda remains a fugitive. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Officials said the Escajeda Drug Trafficking Organization has been under investigation since 2000.

In January 2006, Mexican authorities identified Escajeda as one of several men appearing to be Mexican soldiers who had crossed the Rio Grande and were helping suspected drug smugglers elude U.S. law enforcement during a chase.

According to the DEA, the Escajeda Drug Trafficking Organization, based in Guadalupe, Chihuahua, Mexico, is predominantly involved in the illegal importation, bulk storage, and transportation of large quantities of marijuana and cocaine into the United States for Mexican drug cartels.

The Escajeda DTO maintained control of a large corridor, predominately used for trafficking narcotics, that spanned approximately 120 miles south of the United States international border at El Paso, the DEA said.

If convicted, Escajeda faces between 10 years and life in federal prison plus a maximum $4 million fine.