José Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa, 'El Chino Antrax,' who is accused of drug trafficking and of being an alleged leader of the Sinaloa cartel gunmen, pled "not guilty" in a court in San Diego on Friday. The trial began just one day after 'El Chino' was extradited from the Netherlands. Aréchiga Gamboa, 34, is accused of drug trafficking on the border of Mexico and the United States, specifically conspiracy to import and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.
Jose Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa, known as 'El Chino Antrax,' was arrested at the airport in Amsterdam on charges of trafficking methamphetamines, cocaine and marijuana. Gamboa was extradited to the United States where he is wanted on similar drug trafficking charges in San Diego. The arrest occurred at the behest of US authorities who contacted Interpol for help in the arrest. Gamboa was flying from Mexico City.
Arechiga Gamboa is part of a team of hitmen known as "Antrax," named after the deadly poison. The group works for the Sinaloa Cartel, headed by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman. Authorities at the Mexican embassy in Amsterdam revealed that a Mexican citizen was indeed being held in detention by Dutch authorities, and that they were willing to offer consular assistance if requested. Authorities have blamed the group for a number of murders that occurred in 2011. Here are 10 Fast Facts:
1. He used the passport of a deceased person whose name was Norberto García Sicairos
2. He underwent several plastic surgeries to change his image.
3. He tried to alter his fingerprints, but despite his efforts, his identity was uncovered through forensics.
4. He arrived Thursday afternoon at San Diego International Airport amid tight security.
5. He entered the room in handcuffs on his hands and feet.
6. The hearing lasted about 10 minutes.
7. There were people in attendance who were, presumably, part of his family.
8. He listened to the hearing of Judge Mitchell D. Dembin through an electronic translator, which also informed him of his rights.
9. He was denied the right to bail.
10. Although the judge explained that he could appeal the decision, Arechiga and his attorney rejected the option.
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