(KGTV) - A founding member of a Mexican drug cartel charged with kidnapping and murdering a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1985 has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, with one of the highest rewards in the history of the program.
The Department of State’s Narcotics Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Rafael Caro‐Quintero, according to the FBI.
Today, #FBI added Rafael Caro-Quintero, #wanted for his role in the 1985 murder of a DEA special agent, to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Reward of up to $20 million available for info leading to arrest and/or conviction. @DEAHQ @StateINL #USMS https://t.co/DugLoDiUje pic.twitter.com/rwlFiwg6Fb
— FBI (@FBI) April 13, 2018
Caro-Quintero, known as RCQ and considered a godfather of Mexican drug trafficking, was one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine and marijuana to the U.S. in the late 1970s.
In 1984, Mexican authorities raided a sprawling marijuana plantation owned by Caro-Quintero, and he blamed undercover DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena for the raid.
Camarena, a Marine, fireman, police officer, and deputy sheriff, was kidnaped on the way to lunch with his wife on February 7, 1985, in Mexico. The kidnapping was allegedly a direct order from Caro‐Quintero.
It is believed that Camarena died within two to three days of his kidnapping, but his body was not found until March 5, 1985. Special Agent Camarena is survived by his wife and three sons.
Anyone with information should immediately contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or report tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online by visiting tips.fbi.gov.
