U.S. to extradite Zhenli Yen Gon to Mexico on drug trafficking charges

WASHINGTON, D.C.: A U.S. judge on Wednesday approved the extradition of Zhenli Yen Gon to Mexico, who is accused of manufacturing substances used in illegal drugs.

Mexican authorities raided Zhenli's Mexico City home on March 15, 2007 to find $207 million in cash, 18 million pesos in cash, 200,000 euros, 11 gold coins, a laboratory still under construction, and several vehicles, among other items. Nine people were arrested, including 4 of Asian origin.

Three months later, Zhenli Ye Gon, 48, originally from Shanghai, China but currently a citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Wheaton, Maryland and has been under U.S. custody ever since.

In the U.S., Zhenli was accused of manufacturing and importing metamphetamines into the country, but after a witness recanted and another decided not to testify, the charges were dropped.

Judge John Facciola of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday ordered for Zhenli to remain under U.S. custody until handed over to Mexican authorities, where he will be charged for a number of drug charges.

(BNO NEWS )