By Steve Neavling
The Justice Department has begun turning over long-secret audio recordings tied to the 1985 torture and killing of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena to the legal team of Rafael Caro Quintero, a former Mexican drug lord charged in the case, the Guardian reports.
Caro Quintero, a founding member of the Guadalajara cartel, is facing prosecution in New York on drug trafficking charges. He is also accused of taking part in the abduction and murder of Camarena, who was kidnapped outside the U.S. consulate in Guadalajara, tortured for hours, and killed. The tapes, which have never been publicly released, reportedly contain audio from the interrogation and torture.
“This moment is extremely personal for the men and women of DEA who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena,” then-DEA acting administrator Derek Maltz said during Caro Quintero’s first court appearance in February. “It is also a victory for the Camarena family. Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far you run, justice will find you.”
The case has long been the subject of speculation and controversy, particularly around claims that a CIA officer may have been present during Camarena’s interrogation. Former DEA agent Hector Berrellez, who led the investigation known as Operation Leyenda, has said the DEA received three tapes from the CIA but was told there were originally five. The CIA has repeatedly denied any role.
The Justice Department also turned over documents and photos related to several other murders from 1985, as well as a 1981 killing and firearms seizures. It’s unclear how many recordings exist or what exactly they contain.
Although Caro Quintero was expelled from Mexico rather than extradited, raising questions about whether the U.S. can seek the death penalty, prosecutors said no final decision has been made. Negotiations with the defense are ongoing.
