BFF-54 US rejects Mexico’s claim of fabricated drug evidence against ex-defense chief

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ZCZC

BFF-54

MEXICO-US-DRUGS-CRIME

US rejects Mexico’s claim of fabricated drug evidence against
ex-defense chief

WASHINGTON, Jan 16, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The US Justice Department
threatened to end criminal investigation cooperation with Mexico after
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused it of fabricating drug
trafficking evidence against a former Mexican defense chief.

“The United States Department of Justice fully stands by its
investigation” of Salvador Cienfuegos, a department spokesperson said,
saying that investigation materials released by Mexico on the case
were “not fabricated.”

Publicizing those materials, the department added, violated an
agreement between the two countries and “calls into question whether
the United States can continue to share information to support
Mexico’s own criminal investigations.”

BSS/AFP/MRU/2350hrs