“Morogris” for Borderland Beat
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| Luis Alberto Márquez Márquez taken into custody |
On Wednesday, August 2, Guatemalan authorities confirmed the arrest of 44-year-old Mexican national, Luis Alberto Marquez Marquez, on charges related to drug trafficking.
According to the Guatemalan National Civil Police (PNC), the arrest took place at La Aurora International Airport, immediately upon his arrival on a flight from Mexico. He is wanted by the US government for his suspected involvement in fentanyl and meth trafficking. Reports say he faces charges in the US state of Maryland.
In addition, it was reported that Márquez was responsible for overseeing the supply and transportation of chemical precursors used to manufacture fentanyl in Mexico. Furthermore, he coordinated the shipment of these substances to the United States, where they were distributed across the country.
Authorities did not confirm for which drug cartel Marquez worked for and only stated that he was a high-ranking member. However, the local press is suggesting that it is likely the Sinaloa Cartel or the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Marquez is the 19th individual arrested in Guatemala in 2023 that is wanted by the US government. Guatemalan authorities expect for US officials to formally issue an extradition request in the upcoming days.
Fentanyl in Maryland, Where Márquez is Wanted
During a one-year period that concluded in October 2022, Maryland’s Overdose Data Dashboard indicated that 82% of the 2,454 overdose fatalities in the state were caused by fentanyl.
Amid the surge in drug overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, Maryland hospitals are now required to report the detection of fentanyl in drug tests to the state Department of Health.
Local reports have described this initiative as a “first-of-its-kind”.
Governor Wes Moore signed a bill into law, which passed in this year’s session of the Maryland General Assembly. The new law (known as The Josh Siems Act) mandates that all hospitals conduct screenings for fentanyl in urine drug tests, and the results indicating its presence will be submitted to the Maryland Department of Health, with personal information redacted.
Hospitals without the necessary testing equipment are exempted from this requirement.
The law will be effective starting October 1, 2023.
Arrest sources: Milenio; CRNNoticias; Silla Rota
Maryland background: Fox5DC; WYPR