Suspected Mexican drug lord accused of smuggling drugs into US held in Colo. without bail

No bail for man accused of smuggling drugs into US

DENVER — A federal judge in Denver ruled that a suspected Mexican drug lord accused of helping smuggle millions of dollars worth of cocaine into the United States should be held without bail until his case is resolved.

Oscar Arriola Marquez has pleaded not guilty to charges that include money laundering and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Authorities say he used a remote ranch in Peyton, Colo., to help ship 440 pounds of cocaine a week for distribution to Chicago and New York City.

Arriola Marquez was in federal court Tuesday in Denver for a detention hearing. A tentative trial date has been set for May.

He faces 10 year to life in prison if convicted. He was arrested in Mexico in 2006 and extradited to Colorado this month.