SUSPECTED MEXICAN DRUG LEADER PLEADS INNOCENT IN L.A.

The suspected Los Angeles leader of a Mexican drug cartel pleaded innocent
Monday to federal narcotics trafficking charges.

Jorge Castro, who is known as "Jefe" (boss), and three other Mexicans
connected with the Tijuana-based Arellano Felix drug trafficking
organization, were arrested in southern California earlier this month and
arraigned in federal court Monday. Five other Mexicans named in a 24-count
indictment are fugitives, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney said. Castro
and the other three all entered not-guilty pleas Monday.

Trial was set for Sept. 1. According to U.S. Attorney for Central
California Nora Manella, Castro is one of the highest-level drug
traffickers ever arrested in the U.S.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)