Cocaine Queenpin Extradited to US on Drug Trafficking Charges

A 60-year-old woman from Mexico, identified as Irma Elvira Cruz, has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges related to her alleged involvement in the quality control testing of cocaine destined for the United States. The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia, announced the development in a news release.

Woman accused of testing cocaine

Cruz, also known by the aliases "Huzipol" and "Madre," was reportedly responsible for testing the quality of a substantial shipment of cocaine intended for Atlanta. Further allegations indicate that she conspired with individuals in Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, and other locations to coordinate the transportation of cocaine from Colombia for distribution in both the United States and Mexico.

According to the acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jr., and the information presented in court, Cruz is allegedly affiliated with a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico. This organization is accused of importing significant quantities of cocaine from Colombia into the U.S. through Mexico between 2013 and 2016.

In September 2015, Cruz reportedly traveled to the organization's stash house in Costa Rica to assess the purity of cocaine that was bound for Atlanta. During this time, Costa Rican authorities intercepted vehicles associated with Cruz's alleged accomplices and seized approximately 220 pounds of cocaine, along with an additional 487 pounds from the stash house. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of Cruz by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2017.

Cruz's Charges and Potential Consequences

Upon her extradition to the United States, Cruz was arraigned before a federal judge. She faces federal charges of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Import Cocaine into the United States and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. The Department of Justice has not specified a potential sentence for these charges.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. emphasized the significance of Cruz's extradition, stating, "Cruz allegedly played a critical role in the trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Cruz's extradition from Mexico is an important step in holding her accountable for her alleged role in bringing dangerous drugs into the United States and into our local communities." The U.S. Attorney's Office expressed gratitude to the various law enforcement partners, both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation in bringing Cruz to justice.

Continued Efforts Against Drug Trafficking

The extradition of Cruz marks a notable development in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and the distribution of illegal substances. The cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities exemplifies the commitment to addressing the challenges posed by transnational drug trafficking organizations.