WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has put a $5 million bounty on the fugitive wanted in the 1985 kidnapping and slaying of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent.
The DEA said in a release posted on its website Tuesday it welcomed the large reward being offered for the arrest and/or conviction of Rafael Caro-Quintero, who is wanted for abducting, torturing and killing Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.
Caro-Quintero was released from a Mexican prison Aug. 9 on procedural grounds after serving 28 years of a 40-year sentence.
The DEA said he is wanted on murder, kidnapping and other charges in federal court in California.
"We are reminded every day of the ultimate sacrifice paid by DEA Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena and we will vigorously continue our efforts to ensure Rafael Caro-Quintero faces justice for the crimes he committed," DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart said. "Caro-Quintero was the organizer and mastermind of this atrocious act and his unexpected release from a Mexican prison was shocking and disturbing to law enforcement professionals on both sides of the border.
"The United States government will utilize every tool available, including the State Department Narcotics Rewards Program, to bring Caro-Quintero to justice."
The agency noted the reward announcement follows Red Ribbon Week, an annual drug prevention effort started in 1986 to honor Camarena.
