Mexican National Wanted for U.S. Drug Trafficking Arrested in Argentina

Argentine authorities have apprehended Mexican national Rodolfo Junior Aguirre Covarrubias, who was sought by the United States for drug trafficking offenses. The arrest followed an international capture order issued by Interpol.

Argentina's Minister of National Security, Alejandra Monteoliva, announced the capture, stating that Aguirre is a "Mexican narco" for whom Interpol issued a Red Notice for extradition. The request stems from a U.S. Justice Department order related to alleged drug trafficking crimes.

Intelligence efforts by Argentina's State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE), in collaboration with the National Directorate of Migrations, detected Aguirre's entry into the country. After confirming the validity of the U.S. judicial request, Interpol alerted the Argentine Federal Police, who subsequently arrested Aguirre at a hotel in Buenos Aires' Puerto Madero neighborhood.

According to Argentine officials, Aguirre is wanted by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois for charges including possession, distribution, and trafficking of more than ten kilograms of cocaine. The case was initiated in 2016, and Aguirre had been a fugitive after breaching the terms of his bail. Minister Monteoliva emphasized Argentina's stance, stating, "Argentina is not a refuge for criminals."