A cartel leader from Mexico, who has been extradited and is now facing several federal drug trafficking charges in Virginia, once enjoyed the status of a preferred government contractor in Tamaulipas, a Mexican border state governed by Americo Villarreal from the MORENA party.

This week marked a significant move as Mexico’s federal government extradited 26 high-ranking cartel leaders to the United States, aiming to satisfy the Trump administration. Previously, the U.S. had criticized Mexico for insufficient efforts against drug cartels. This group of extradited leaders includes important members of the Sinaloa Cartel, Cartel Jalisco New Generation, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas, and several others.

Among these leaders is Jose Francisco “El Yiyo” Mendoza Gomez, who is sought by authorities in the eastern district of Virginia on numerous drug-related charges. Court documents reveal Mendoza Gomez’s collaboration with Marcela “La Dama de Hierro” Florez Torruco in supplying large amounts of cocaine from Colombia and Panama to Virginia. This operation was closely linked with the Sinaloa Cartel.

Recently unearthed details by Mexican journalist Shalma Castillo indicate that Mendoza Gomez was awarded significant government contracts by Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal. Reports state that Mendoza Gomez operated two companies, JF Konstruyendo and Megamax, which together landed approximately $4 million in contracts from the government of Tamaulipas for construction and other services.

As highlighted by Texas sources, Governor Villarreal has reportedly received campaign support from the Gulf Cartel, who organized political gatherings on his behalf. Additionally, the governor has ties to individuals involved in cartel-backed fuel theft, these connections provided substantial financial backing for his political endeavors.

Ildefonso Ortiz is an acclaimed journalist associated with – News Foundation. He played a key role in creating – News Foundation’s Cartel Chronicles project alongside Brandon Darby and senior – management. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He is reachable at Iortiz@breitbart.com.