MEXICANS SAID CLEARED ON MAJOR DRUG-RELATED CHARGES

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (Reuters) - A Mexican judge Tuesday cleared two
brothers on drug-related charges a week after authorities hailed their
arrest as the biggest blow to Mexico's illegal drugs trade this year, a
defense lawyer said.

But they still face lesser charges and the prospect of extradition to the
United States, where they are under indictment, the Attorney General's
Office (PGR) said in a statement.

Luis and Jesus Amezcua were captured a week ago and charged with money
laundering and criminal association. U.S. officials said they ran the
largest known methamphetamine smuggling operation in the world, though they
have yet to face any formal drug accusations in Mexico.

``The resolution came out as follows: an order for complete freedom on
offense 400 of the Penal Code, in other words money laundering and the
related criminal association,'' defense lawyer Everardo Rojas told Reuters.

The PGR however said the two suspects would remain in jail pending trial on
other lesser money laundering charges, under which they would be eligible
to be released on bail.

A PGR spokeswoman refused to elaborate on the statement.

Rojas confirmed that his clients still faced the lesser
money laundering charges that applied before money laundering
was made a criminal offense under the Penal Code last year.

Because the alleged crimes took place before the law was changed last year,
the Amezcuas can only face the lesser charges, which allow for them to be
freed on bail, the lawyer said.

But potentially more serious for them is that the PGR said it would begin
extradition proceedings that could eventually send Luis and Jesus Amezcua
to the United States, where they are under indictment on drug charges in
San Diego.

Rojas, who had vigorously declared his clients' innocence since their
arrest, said he has sought protection against extradition but the court has
yet to rule on the matter.

The Amezcua brothers allegedly ran the Colima cartel, among the largest in
Mexico. U.S. and Mexican authorities say they began by smuggling cocaine
but later switched to methamphetamine, a cheaper alternative that allowed
them to cut out their Colombian cocaine suppliers.

A third Amezcua brother, Adan, who was arrested in November, is considered
a minor player and unlike his brothers was not under U.S. indictment. He
remains behind bars.

Tuesday's proceedings were in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city,
300 miles west of Mexico City.