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High-Ranking Mexican Drug Cartel Leader Self-Surrenders

A wanted poster advertises a reward for information on members of the Sinaloa cartel / Getty
August 8, 2017

A cell leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel self-surrendered to U.S. law enforcement officers on July 27, the Justice Department announced Monday.

Damaso Lopez-Serrano, also known as Mini Lic, 29, surrendered at the California Calexico West Port of Entry, according to a Justice Department statement. He was arraigned on a previously returned indictment from a federal grand jury which charged him and five of his associates with conspiracy to import and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

Lopez-Serrano is believed to be the highest-ranking Mexican cartel leader to ever self-surrender in the U.S. He is also the son of Damaso Lopez Nunez, who has attempted to take control of the Sinaloa cartel after after the arrest of leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

"At a time when more Americans than ever are dying from drug overdoses, the Department of Justice has made it a top priority to target the Mexican Cartel leaders responsible for the dangerous drugs that poison our families," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

"We will continue to go after these cartel leaders in order to dismantle their organizations from top to bottom, and today's announcement should send them a clear message: You can turn yourselves in the easy way, or we will find you and bring you to justice the hard way. No matter what, you will face the consequences," Sessions said.