MEXICAN METHAMPHETAMINE DRUG SUSPECTS CLEARED OF TWO CHARGES

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) -- A judge has cleared two brothers believed to
head a major Mexican methamphetamine drug cartel of two of the three charges
they faced.

But the attorney general's office said Tuesday that it would seek to have
the brothers, Luis and Jesus Amezcua Contreras, extradited to the United States.

Judge Jose Nieves Luna Castro cleared the brothers of one count each of
criminal association and money laundering, saying they had been charged
under statutes that were not in effect at the time of the alleged crimes. He
ordered them held for trial under a separate money laundering charge.

Defense attorney Everado Rojas Contreras said he is seeking a court order
that would free his clients and prevent their extradition.

In announcing the arrests of the Amezcua brothers last week, the attorney
general's office said that Mexico's largest methamphetamine and amphetamine
trafficking cartel had been broken up.

Authorities say police had seized dozens of businesses in three states and
found chemicals used for producing the drugs.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett