Sinaloa Cartel Leader Extradited in Major U.S. Drug Operation

Ciudad de México, México – Daniel Franco López, known as El Micha, a significant member of the Sinaloa Cartel, was extradited from Mexico to El Paso on February 27, 2025, facing multiple charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Texas authorities confirmed the extradition in an official statement, detailing that Franco López is accused of coordinating the shipment of tons of cocaine and marijuana into the United States.

If convicted, the 40-year-old faces a potential life sentence. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The extradition of Franco López is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle organized crime within and beyond Mexican borders. U.S. officials stated that the action signifies a significant advancement in the fight against organized crime.

Franco López was initially detained in 2012 and is reportedly connected to notorious drug lords such as Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán and Ismael El Mayo Zambada. His transfer to U.S. authorities comes amidst a larger crackdown on drug-related activities.

In a separate announcement, the Mexican government revealed the extradition of 29 additional organized crime figures, including Rafael Caro Quintero, a founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, and Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, alias Tony Montana, a key player in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

According to federal sources, these individuals were transferred from various prisons to the United States, requested for their ties to criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and other felonies. The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) confirmed that the extradition adhered to all legal protocols to respect their rights under Mexican law.

Officials emphasized that this operation reflects Mexico’s commitment to cooperate with the United States in combating drug trafficking and organized crime while respecting both nations’ sovereignty.

The last major extradition incident involving high-profile drug traffickers in Mexico occurred in January 2007, when the government under Felipe Calderón extradited multiple cartel leaders in a single operation. This historical context underscores the significance of the current extraditions.

The list of those extradited this week also includes other key narcotics figures, with various charges ranging from drug trafficking to homicide. The U.S. expects to process these individuals through courts across the nation, including in cities such as Chicago, Houston, and New York.

No incidents were reported during this coordinated extradition process, showcasing a smooth collaboration between Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies.