MEXICAN JUDGE IMPERILS U.S. CASE AGAINST DRUGLORD SUSPECT

Courts: An Extradition Request Is Blocked, But The Alleged "Speed" Kingpin
Still Could Be Tried In Mexico On Other Charges.

Mexico City-Attempts to try suspected kingpin of the world's largest
methamphetamine ring were thrown into jeopardy this week when a Mexican
judge blocked the suspect's extradition to the United States.

Authorities believe methamphetamine, or "speed." is one of the
fastest-growing drug problems in the United States. American anti-drug
officials believe that Luis Amezcua leads a gang that has smuggled
precursor chemicals into the United States, mixed them into speed in secret
labs in California and distributed the drug throughout the United States,
especially Texas and the Southeast.

Amezcua, who was detained earlier this year in Mexico, could be released as
soon as next month if Mexican prosecutors cooperating with the United
States do not appeal the decision. Mexican authorities confirmed Thursday
that they are appealing and also said they may have the option of
re-arresting Amerzcua on other charges.

"If, in the worst-case scenario, we lose the appeal, Mexican authorities
have the ability to try (Luis Amezcua) in Mexico on crimes committed
abroad. So in our opinion he won't be set free," Assistant Attorney General
for International Affairs Eduardo Ibarrola said Thursday.

Although Amezcua currently faces no charges in Mexico, Ibarrola said the
U.S. extradition request contains evidence of crimes in the United States
that could form the basis of a case that Amezcua has engaged in criminal
activity abroad.

Extradition requests are a frequent source of tension between the United
State and Mexico, especially when they involve suspected Mexican drug
traffickers.

The United States has fruitlessly tried to extradite a number of alleged
druglords, including Amezcua and his brother, Jesus, who have both been
indicted by U.S. prosecutors.