Around the Nation

U.S. extradites drug suspects

The U.S. government has extradited three men from Thailand to stand trial on charges of operating an international heroin-trafficking organization that routed the drug from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Burma and northern Thailand throughout the world, including the United States.

Yaya Yahayai, Henry Sichone and Andrew Sarpong, who are accused of conspiracy in a scheme to distribute heroin globally, were charged as part of “Operation Ivory Triangle,” said John P. Gilbride, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agent in charge.

According to indictments handed up in U.S. District Court in New York, Mr. Yahayai headed the drug trafficking organization from August 2004 until December 2005, assisted by Mr. Sichone, operating mainly out of a storefront in Bangkok.

The indictments said members of the organization transported the heroin through human couriers, mail, cargo shipments and other means.

Richardson plans presidential run

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson intends to take the initial step toward the Democratic nomination, hoping his extensive resume will fuel an insurgent campaign to become the first Hispanic president.

Mr. Richardson plans to announce tomorrow that he will soon file the papers to create a presidential exploratory committee, several officials with knowledge of his plans said yesterday. The governor is scheduled to appear on ABC’s “This Week.”

Mr. Richardson, 59, is a former congressman, U.N. ambassador and Energy Department secretary.

Border shooting images not clear

BISBEE, Ariz. — A deadly Border Patrol shooting that drew criticism from Mexico’s president was recorded by surveillance cameras, but the images are not clear, authorities said.

The Border Patrol is trying to have the tape digitally enhanced to show more detail of the Jan. 12 confrontation east of Bisbee, said Michael Nicley, chief of the agency’s Tucson Sector.

Francisco Javier Dominguez Rivera, 22, of Puebla, Mexico, was fatally shot by an agent who had responded to a call about a group of seven persons crossing the desert.

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