MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – A high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel, known as ‘El Nini,’ has been extradited to the United States, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the fentanyl epidemic. Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, who had been one of America’s most-wanted criminals, now faces charges in the U.S. for his alleged involvement in the fentanyl trade and other violent crimes.
In a statement on Saturday, President Joe Biden praised the collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, calling the extradition “a good day for justice.” He emphasized the importance of joint efforts in combating the synthetic drug crisis that has claimed countless lives in both countries.
Pérez Salas, a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, is accused of playing a central role in the production and distribution of fentanyl in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he was also involved in a series of violent acts, including murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals and witnesses.
The U.S. government had previously offered a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to Pérez Salas’ capture. He was detained in Mexico in November last year and has now been handed over to U.S. authorities to face charges that include drug trafficking, possession of firearms, and witness retaliation.
Pérez Salas is alleged to have worked closely with Oscar Noé Medina González, a lieutenant of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, one of the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who is currently serving a life sentence in the United States. Pérez Salas was also responsible for the security of Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa cartel known for its violent enforcement tactics.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed gratitude to Mexican officials for their efforts in capturing and extraditing Pérez Salas. He reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to dismantling the cartels responsible for the influx of fentanyl and other drugs into American communities.
The extradition of Pérez Salas is seen as a pivotal moment in the fight against the illegal drug trade, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global drug crisis.