Mexican Judge Arrested in Colombia on U.S. Bribery Charges

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A Mexican judge has been arrested in Colombia on U.S. bribery charges, accused of accepting $2 million in exchange for releasing a top Canadian drug lord. The arrest, made in collaboration with U.S. authorities, marks a significant development in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking networks.

49-year-old Luis Benitez Alcantara, a former federal judge in Mexico City, is currently in Colombian custody and faces a nine-count indictment for facilitating the release of Andrew Clark, a 36-year-old Canadian drug trafficker. Clark was the second-in-command of the Ryan Wedding Organization, a large-scale drug empire known for moving significant quantities of cocaine into the U.S. and Canada. While operating independently, Wedding maintained close ties with Mexican drug cartels.

Clark was arrested in October 2024 by Mexican authorities, facing extradition to the United States on multiple charges including drug trafficking conspiracy, murder, and attempted murder. The case was assigned to Alcantara, who oversaw the extradition process. In November 2024, the U.S. government initiated the extradition process, and Clark’s associates immediately began transferring funds to Mexican officials. Between November 2024 and February 2025, Clark’s people moved $2.75 million in total, including a $2 million bribe to Alcantara.

Alcantara released Clark on bond the day after receiving the bribe, but the U.S. government was able to rearrest him and eventually extradite him to the United States, where he remains in custody awaiting trial. If convicted, Alcantara could face up to 15 years in prison.

This case highlights the complex interplay between international drug trafficking, judicial corruption, and transnational law enforcement cooperation. The arrest of a high-ranking Mexican judge on U.S. soil underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle powerful criminal networks and hold those involved accountable.

Source: Breitbart

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claire.thomson