Alleged Mexican cartel member extradited to US

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department says a high-ranking member of what's known as the Gulf Cartel has been extradited to the United States from Mexico to face drug conspiracy charges.

Aurelio Cano-Flores appeared in federal court Monday and was ordered held pending trial. He has been in the custody of Mexican authorities since his arrest more than two years ago.

Cano-Flores was among 20 defendants charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute massive quantities of cocaine and marijuana for importation into the United States.

The indictment alleges that Cano-Flores led the Gulf Cartel's drug trafficking activities in Camargo, Mexico.