Rafael Caro Quintero attended a federal court hearing in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, where a procedure hearing took place without a guilty plea being reached. Ongoing negotiations between his defense team and the U.S. Prosecutor's Office are aimed at potentially securing an early resolution to the court proceedings.
A federal hearing, presided over by Judge Frederic Block, concluded within a 15-minute timeframe.
Negotiations between the parties continued during the session, with both sides reiterating that discussions remain in progress. Despite ongoing talks, no agreement was reached to alter the initial declaration of non-sin made by the former leader of the Guadalajara Cartel, which was previously associated with an extinct organization.
A hearing is set to take place on November 20, 2026, with the trial itself expected to commence on March 8, 2027, unless a pre-trial agreement is reached prior to that date.
Negotiations continue
Negotiations between the Prosecution and defense counsel remain ongoing, yet the judicial process continues to move forward, ultimately heading towards a potential trial.
Despite ongoing discussions regarding a possible modification to the declaration of no guilt, authorities are proceeding with preparations for the scheduled process set to take place in March of next year.
Caro Quintero is currently facing four felony charges related to his involvement in drug trafficking. The case is also connected to the 1985 kidnapping, torture, and murder of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a DEA agent, which took place in Jalisco.
US authorities have identified the case as a key legal proceeding against a prominent Mexican narcotics trafficker, who may face a life sentence if convicted following a potential trial.
The defendant was brought to court wearing a prison uniform, accompanied by his nephew, Ismael Quintero Arellano, who is also a party to the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Caro Quintero made his initial appearance in a federal court in Brooklyn on February 28, 2025, following his transfer to the United States as part of a group of Mexican nationals extradited by the Mexican government to U.S. authorities.
