A man wanted for his involvement in an interstate drug trafficking ring was extradited from Mexico and returned to Tucson, Arizona, after nine years on the run, according to the FBI. His wife and another associate reportedly remained at large.
Manuel Gortari-Redondo, 45, was part of a Tucson-based criminal drug enterprise that smuggled marijuana to the Nebraska arm of the "Bloods" street gang from June 2006 to July 2011, authorities said Monday.
Gortari-Redondo and seven co-conspirators were arrested in August 2011. According to the FBI, Gortari-Redondo failed to appear in court on the third day of his trial in June 2013, but the trial went on without him.
He was sentenced to 162 months in prison for money laundering, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and other charges related to motor vehicle documents and license plates.
According to FBI officials, Gortari-Redondo was taken into custody in Mexico City and extradited to Tucson on Nov. 23.
"The extradition of Mr. Gortari-Redondo is an example of how the FBI will pursue justice beyond U.S. borders no matter how long it takes," said Akil Davis, special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office.
Gortari-Redondo's wife, Sandra Mendivil-Redondo, and Mario Carmona Rodriguez remain fugitives at large, the FBI said. A $3,500 reward is being offered for each.
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