A nephew of a Mexican drug kingpin has been extradited from Mexico to the United States to face multiple drug possession and distribution counts, federal authorities said.

Rodrigo Paez-Quintero is a nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero, according to a release from the Arizona district of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Paez-Quintero surrendered to U.S authorities after an extradition proceeding in Mexico that the release stated “demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat the influx of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States.”

Paez-Quintero is charged in an indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl and multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Each count carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million.

“In the year prior to March 2019, the indictment alleges defendant’s involvement in at least nine drug trafficking events from the Lukeville Port of Entry, through Ajo and up to Phoenix,” the release stated. “According to numerous open sources, Paez-Quintero is the nephew of jailed Mexican drug kingpin Rafael Caro-Quintero.”

“Our fight against international drug traffickers who spread poison into our communities requires all hands on deck,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said. “This extradition is yet another example of our partnership with Mexican law enforcement to dismantle deadly cartels and bring drug kingpins to justice.”

United States Attorney Gary Restaino added: “This indictment alleges coordinated conduct to traffic fentanyl and other illicit drugs into Phoenix. Many thanks to our federal, foreign and sovereign tribal partners for their teamwork and dedication.”

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