By Steve Neavling
A former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. to face charges of international drug trafficking, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Jorge Ivan Gastelum Avila, also known as Cholo Ivan, was a high-ranking member of the international drug trafficking organization between August 2009 and January 2016, according to court documents.
Prosecutors allege he was a lead assassin for the cartel and worked closely with the leader, Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo.
He alleged operated as the “plaza boss” for the Mexican city of Guamúchil, Sinaloa, and supervised at least 200 armed men and controlled the drug-trafficking activities in the city and surrounding area.
Mexican authorities arrested Gastelum Avila and El Chapo as they attempted to flee arrest in January 2016.
El Chapo was extradited to the U.S. on April 1.
Gastelum Avila is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana that was intended to be imported to the U.S.
Gastelum Avila faces up to life in prison if convicted.
