A Mexican judge wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly accepting a $2 million bribe to free a Canadian drug cartel lieutenant was arrested in Colombia. The U.S. Department of Justice plans to request the extradition of Luis Benítez Alcántara from Colombian authorities following his apprehension on the 1st.
Bribe and Bail for Andrew Clark
U.S. Department of Justice records show that Benítez Alcántara received $2 million in February 2024 to grant bail to Andrew Clark, a Canadian drug syndicate lieutenant. Clark operated as a top cocaine supplier for an international drug trafficking ring led by Ryan James Wedding, a former Canadian snowboard team athlete. Mexican authorities arrested Clark in October 2024 on drug trafficking, murder, and attempted murder charges while U.S. law enforcement pursued extradition.
Benítez Alcántara presided over Clark’s extradition proceedings in a Mexico City district court. Investigators established that the judge agreed to release Clark in exchange for the multimillion-dollar payment. After confirming the $2 million arrived in full in February 2025, the judge authorized Clark’s release on bail that same day.
Extradition and Pending Trials in California
Clark now faces criminal trial in California alongside Wedding. Wedding, once featured on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, was captured in Mexico in January and handed over to U.S. law enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that corrupt public officials who assist drug traffickers operating within the United States will face trial on American soil, regardless of where they hide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
Which agency announced the extradition plans for the judge?
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on the 5th that it plans to request the extradition of Luis Benítez Alcántara from Colombia.
What specific charges did Andrew Clark face when arrested in Mexico?
Mexican authorities arrested Clark in October 2024 on charges of drug trafficking, murder, and attempted murder.
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