After decades of impunity and protection in Mexico, Rafael Caro Quintero finally faces justice in the United States, where the government seeks the death penalty for his crimes. Caro Quintero, founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, is identified as the mastermind behind the murder of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a DEA agent who was kidnapped, tortured, and executed in 1985.
Despite being arrested in 1985 and sentenced to 40 years in prison in Mexico, he was released in 2013 due to a judicial ruling that was later overturned, making him one of the most wanted fugitives by the United States.
Camarena's execution was a watershed moment in the Mexico-United States relationship
Camarena's execution was a watershed moment in the Mexico-United States relationship, marking the beginning of the all-out war against drug trafficking. Camarena was investigating marijuana crops at the El Búfalo ranch, owned by the Guadalajara Cartel. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered with the support of high-ranking Mexican police officials.
His death triggered the first major U.S. anti-drug offensive on Mexican soil. Since then, the DEA made Caro Quintero its number one enemy, with a pursuit that lasted almost 40 years.
