MEXICAN DRUG-KINGPIN SUSPECTS IN COURT TODAY

Two men believed to be high-ranking members of a Mexico-based
smuggling ring are scheduled to appear today in federal court in San
Diego to discuss future court dates and arrange for legal representation.

Francisco Javier Arellano-Felix, 37, and Manuel Arturo Villarreal
Heredia, 31, were named last week in a seven-count federal grand jury
indictment on racketeering, drug trafficking and money laundering
charges in an operation that dominated the Mexican drug trade for
more than a decade. The ring flooded the United States with hundreds
of tons of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin.

The indictment accuses the men of maintaining control of a drug
trafficking empire through kidnappings and up to 20 slayings,
including beheadings, of rivals in the drug trade, law-enforcement
officers and members of the press.

Both men were arrested in August by U.S. authorities while deep-sea
fishing 15 miles off the coast of La Paz, Mexico, and have been in
custody in San Diego ever since. The U.S. Coast Guard apprehended
them aboard a boat known as the "Dock Holiday."

The new indictment replaces one handed up in 2003 that did not
include the continuing criminal enterprise charges that could lead to
their executions. Mexico has balked at extraditing those facing a
possible death sentence.

A decision by federal prosecutors on whether to seek the death
penalty will be made by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales at a later date.

The indictment describes Mr. Arellano-Felix as the gang's principal
organizer and top leader since March 2000, and Mr. Villarreal as a
hired assassin in command of crews that carried out enforcement
operations and drug trafficking activities.

Both men pleaded not guilty during brief court appearances last week
before U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns.

The gang, often referred to as the Tijuana Cartel, has been
considered one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking
organizations in Mexico. At the height of its power, it was
responsible for the transportation, importation and distribution of
multi-ton quantities of cocaine, marijuana, heroin and
methamphetamine into this country from Mexico -- primarily from
Tijuana into San Diego and Los Angeles.

Jesus Labra Aviles, long considered the financial mastermind of the
organization, was arrested in Mexico City in March 2000 by the
Mexican military with the support of the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration's (DEA) Tijuana office, which ensured he was not released.

That was followed by the arrest of Ismael Higuera-Guerrero, a top
lieutenant, two months later by the Mexican military in coordination
with DEA. He had been the most overt member of the gang arrested,
directing operations in Tijuana for years.