FOUR MEXICANS PLEAD GUILTY IN DRUG SCHEME

Four Mexican nationals pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against others
in the nation's biggest drug-money laundering case, authorities said.

Ernesto Martin De la Torre, Carlos Novelo Correa, Rosendo Ramirez Linares
and Mario Valdovinos Ramirez quietly entered their pleas in federal court
in Los Angeles on Dec. 17 and 18.

"We wanted the pleas taken without fanfare for fear of jeopardizing the
safety of any witnesses," Assistant U.S.Attorney Duane R. Lyons said
Friday. No threats have been received, he added.

Martin, Novelo and Ramirez Linares pleaded guilty to one count each of
money laundering conspiracy. Valdovinos pleaded guilty to two counts of
laundering financial instruments.

Under the plea agreements, prosecutors will dismiss some charges and
recommend leniency in sentencing the four.

They were among about 40 Mexican and Venezuelan businessmen, bankers and
alleged drug cartel members arrested in May under Operation Casablanca, a
two-year U.S. Customs sting operation that spanned several countries.