Pubdate: Friday, January 15 1999

MEXICO SUSPECT'S EXTRADITION TO U.S. IS AUTHORIZED

MEXICO CITY -- The government has authorized the first extradition of a
major Mexican drug suspect, an official confirmed Thursday, a move that
could send Jesus Amezcua to California to face federal indictments for
methamphetamine smuggling.

Mexico seldom extradites its citizens to the United States, and has never
done so with a major drug suspect. But pressure from the United States
apparently played a role in the decision.

Amezcua and two of his brothers were arrested in June. Authorities say they
headed the world's biggest methamphetamine and ephedrine trafficking
operation.