Neb. deputies capture 'Mexican drug cartel' wanted in the U.S. for years

A leader of a Mexican drug cartel was arrested in Nebraska Thursday. Jesus Ramon Buena-Peregina was wanted as a federal fugitive in the U.S. for four years. He was previously convicted of possession and distribution of 20 kilos of cocaine.

Jesus Ramon Buena-Peregina was identified during a traffic stop along Interstate 80 in Seward County after giving a Seward County deputy a fake passport.

Officials said Buena-Peregina is a known lieutenant in the powerful Sinaloa Drug Cartel. He was previously deported for prior felonies. Authorities said he returned to the U.S. to commit another drug crime: possession with the intent to deliver cocaine.

Vanessa Esmeralda Lopez-Pena of Arizona was also arrested on charges of accessory to a felony. Deputies said she tried to conceal Buena-Peregina’s identity.