Mexico judge orders US-born drug lord ‘La Barbie’ held for 40 days pending investigation

Judge orders US-born kingpin ‘La Barbie’ held

MEXICO CITY — A Mexican judge has ordered a US-born suspected drug lord known as “La Barbie” held for 40 days pending an investigation into organized crime and other charges.

The Attorney General’s Office says Edgar Valdez Villarreal will be held at federal police headquarters while prosecutors decide whether to formally charge him.

Mexican authorities are also trying to decide whether to try Valdez in Mexico or deport him to the United States, where he faces cocaine charges in three different states.

Valdez was born in Laredo, Texas, and has been living illegally in Mexico.

The Attorney General’s Office announced the judge’s decision in a statement Saturday. Valdez was captured Monday following a yearlong investigation.

(This version CORRECTS that announcement Saturday sted late Saturday.)