FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRM THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1995 (202) 616-2771 TDD (202) 514-1888 MEXICAN DRUG FUGITIVE NAMED TO FBI'S "MOST WANTED" LIST MEXICAN GOVERNMENT PLEDGES COOPERATION Washington, D.C. -- The Attorney General announced today that the FBI has placed Juan Garcia-Abrego on its "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, the first time a leading international drug trafficker has been included. A federal indictment in Houston, Texas charges that Garcia-Abrego is the leader of a powerful Mexican drug organization responsible for transporting tons of Colombian cocaine into the United States for the Cali cartel and for authorizing acts of violence, including murders, to promote drug activities. Attorney General Janet Reno stated, "The targeting of Garcia-Abrego and his organization is part of this Administration's drug enforcement strategy that is aimed at disrupting and destroying major drug trafficking organizations -- particularly those portions which operate within our borders and in transit countries such as Mexico -- to stop the flow of narcotics across our borders and into our communities." Reno praised the law enforcement authorities of Mexico, who have pledged their cooperation, adding, "Garcia-Abrego has done great harm to both the United States and Mexico, and the law enforcement agencies of both nations will join together to ensure that he is apprehended and brought to justice." The Attorney General praised the efforts and coordination of the United States Attorneys, FBI and DEA, in their joint investigation and prosecution of the Garcia-Abrego organization, that have already resulted in the conviction of more than 70 individuals in the Southern and Northern Districts of Texas, the Middle District of Florida and the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the seizure of more than 14 tons of Colombian cocaine. "Federal, state and local law enforcement have created a powerful force in our drug enforcement efforts. The FBI and DEA joint investigation of the Garcia-Abrego organization and the indictment obtained by the United States Attorney, illustrate the strength that is gained when we join forces to distrupt the flow of drugs across our borders." The warrant for Garcia-Abrego was issued in September of 1993, in the Southern District of Texas, in Houston. The indictment charges him with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Money Laundering; Possession with Intent to Distribute; Conspiracy to Import Cocaine; and Continuing Criminal Enterprise. The Juan Garcia-Abrego organization operates on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, centered in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico and more recently in Monterrey, Nuevo-Leon, Mexico. It is recognized by law enforcement authorities in the U.S. and in Mexico as one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and derives its power from the use of violence and bribery. Once the drugs cross the border, the organization has distribution cells throughout the United States, including San Antonio, Houston and New York, and is known to have had elements in Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee and Seattle, as well as cities in California, Nevada, Arizona, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Garcia-Abrego was born in La Paloma, Texas and may claim dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. He is 50 years old, and is described as a white male, six feet tall, 200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. The FBI advises that Garcia-Abrego should be considered armed and dangerous. # # # 95-133