Photo: Google

By KELIN DILLON

On Monday, Dec. 17, the United States deported notorious cartel leader Osiel “El Mata Amigos” Cárdenas Guillén back to Mexico, announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Cárdenas, who is the founder of Los Zetas and former boss of the Gulf Cartel, faces four charges in Mexico that include homicide and illegal firearm possession.

“The successful deportation of Osiel Cardenas, a known international fugitive, underscores our unwavering commitment to public safety and justice,” said ICE Director Samuel Olson.

“By returning this dangerous individual to Mexico, where he faces serious charges, we have taken an important step to safeguard our communities and uphold the rule of law,” continued the U.S. official.

The drug kingpin was previously sentenced to 25 years in U.S. prison but was released after 17 – and now, extradited to the Mexican authorities – on good behavior.

According to the Secretariat of Public Safety and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Cárdenas could face up to 730 years in Mexican prison if convicted on all charges.

The Gulf Cartel boss now awaits trial in the Altiplano prison in Almoloya de Juárez, State of México (Edoméx).