Alleged Meth King Busted? Zhenli Ye Gon Arrested

Meth is now a problem world wide. The perception is that use of Meth is more acceptable in the U.S. That is a horrible commentary on the state of the war against drugs. Fortunately, U.S. federal agents took a step toward fighting the problem when they arrested arrested alleged methamphetamine trafficker Zhenli Ye Gon. Ye Gon was arrested in a restaurant in Rockville, Md. He was meeting with a lawyer at the time of his arrest. This arrest will involve a complicated application of extradition laws involving both Mexico and the U.S. Ye Gon is a Chinese-Mexican businessman. He is charged with organized crime, drug trafficking and weapons charges, according to Mexican officials. Mexico wants Ye Gon extradited to stand trial. Ye Gon apparently prefers to be tried in the U.S.

Meanwhile, back in Mexico City, Ye Gon's mansion was the site of North America's largest seizure of cash alleged to be associated with illegal drug operations. DEA spokesman Garrison Courtney confirmed that Ye Gon was arrested on drug smuggling and money laundering charges.

In March, Mexican agents found more than US$207 million in dollar, peso and euro bills in a home owned by Ye Gon. The money is believed to be associated with the world's largest networks for trafficking pseudoephedrine (main ingredient in methamphetamine and S udafed!) Ye Gon contends the chemicals were legitimate and intended for use in prescription drugs. Ye Gon did not resist arrest. Ye said,"Only the United States can provide the most comprehensive procedural safeguards concerning what is happening on the Mexican side." Ye Gon will likely apply for political asylum in the U.S. Rogelio de la Garza is Ye Gon's lawyer in Mexico. Apparently, Ye Gon contends the some of the money in his home was being stored there on behalf of the ruling party in Mexico. (Play the conspiracy defense.)

Whether he is tried in the U.S. or in Mexico, if guilty, then I hope Ye Gon is GONE for good! However, keep in mind all suspects are presumed innocent until otherwise proven guilty in a court of law. Ye Gon has a very good lawyer so a conviction is not a given as he could be innocent.