MEXICO-CARTELS: Beltrán Leyva was arrested by Mexican special forces in early 2008 in what his brothers reportedly believed to be a sell-out by the rival Sinaloa gang
Federal prosecutors in North Dakota have their sights set on bringing one of his organization's onetime rivals to the United States to face charges
According to local authorities, one marine was killed in the clashes as well as five individuals reportedly belonging to a local drug cartel
The field is located in Mexico's so-called Golden Triangle of historically heavy drugs production in which the Sinaloa cartel of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán has exercised control
Mexican authorities say they have captured a top Sinaloa cartel leader's son who is suspected of running a drug distribution network
El Chapo, who twice made dramatic escapes from Mexican prisons and was one of the world's most wanted drug lords, was accompanied by two lawyers during the appearance in federal court in Brooklyn
Current and former law enforcement officials on both sides of the border said the move would boost security cooperation and could even upgrade relations.
Besides New York, Guzmán faces charges in five other U.S. jurisdictions, including San Diego, Chicago and Miami. He could face the possibility of life in a U.S. prison if convicted.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the extradition via Twitter. The Sinaloa cartel leader is wanted on drug trafficking and other charges in the United States.
The Mexican natives pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering and bulk cash smuggling charges.