US Indicts Mexican Drug Lord

The US has indicted Francisco Javier Arellano Felix (AP photo), a Mexican national, for his acts as the head of a Mexican drug cartel. The indictment alleges he ordered kidnappings and killings, including beheadings of police officers, in California.

His lawyers are claiming that Arellano Felix was captured in Mexican waters, and therefore he should be released. US and Mexican officials say he was taken in international waters, so extradition is not necessary. Therefore, he is eligible for the death penalty, with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales having the final say on that matter (well, not really...).

The San Diego Union-Tribune has more here.