Justice Department demands 'swift extradition' of assassin for Sinaloa Cartel arrested in Mexico

Attorney General Merrick Garland wants to see an alleged assassin of the Sinaloa Cartel extradited to the U.S. as quickly as possible.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” led security operations and was involved in murder, torture and kidnapping of witnesses, rivals and others who opposed the Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Salas was arrested by Mexican authorities on Wednesday.

“We are now seeking El Nini’s swift extradition from Mexico to face justice here in the United States,” Garland said.

A federal grand jury indicted Salas in 2021 and charged him with cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and witness retaliation.

The U.S. Department of State offered a $3 million reward for information leading to Salas’ arrest or conviction.