Mexico City, Mexico — The former commander of Mexico’s defunct Federal Police pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Iván Reyes Arzate, a former Mexican Federal Police Officer and Commander of the Mexican Federal Police’s Sensitive Investigative Unit (SIU) made the guilty plea Tuesday in a Brooklyn court.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the 49-year-old former officer admitted to receiving a bribe in exchange for agreeing to assist the El Seguimiento 39 drug cartel ship cocaine from Mexico to the United States.
“Between September and November 2016, being a public servant in Mexico and in exchange for a payment, I agreed to give a criminal organization data that would facilitate the distribution of cocaine,” he said before federal Judge Brian Cogan.
“This guilty plea should demonstrate that those who abuse their position of trust and put others in danger for financial gain, will be brought to justice. This former police officer and commander not only betrayed those he swore to protect, but also his fellow law enforcement working to dismantle a dangerous drug cartel.
“The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent cartels from shipping deadly narcotics to the United States, but also to hold accountable those who mistakenly think they can get away with and benefit from these types of crimes,” stated NYSP Superintendent Bruen.
SIU officers in Mexico routinely work with U.S. law enforcement to combat narcotics trafficking, money laundering and other criminal activities.
