Alleged Mexican drug kingpin arrested while crossing into Arizona

A man suspected of leading an international drug trafficking enterprise was arrested while crossing into Arizona from Mexico, authorities announced Thursday.

Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations arrested 51-year-old Jorge Luis Castro-Mercado earlier this month while he was trying to enter the U.S., according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Man accused of leading drug trafficking group faces 12 charges

Prosecutors said he was indicted on the following counts in March:

• Operating a continuing criminal enterprise
• Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to import fentanyl and methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments
• Three counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, aiding and abetting
• Three counts of importation of fentanyl
• Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting
• Importation of methamphetamine

Castro-Mercado was charged under a law known as the “kingpin” statute. If convicted, he would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

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