Mexico, U.S. cooperating on extraditions

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Extraditions between Mexico and the United States have reached an all-time, one-year record at 100, U.S. Justice Department officials say.

Eleven fugitives were handed over to the United States during the weekend, setting the record, CNN reported.

The action is based at least in part on Mexican President Felipe Calderon's decision to use extradition in its offensive against drug cartels, U.S. officials said in a release. Drug traffickers jailed in Mexico sometimes bribe guards to escape or to continue to operate their gangs from inside, the officials said.

This weekend's extradited prisoners included four arrested on drug charges, with the others facing charges of murder, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes in Texas, Florida, California, Maryland and the District of Columbia, CNN reported.

The new level of cooperation is reportedly to be discussed Monday when U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder meets with Mexico's new attorney general, Arturo Chavez.