Narco Wanted in US Apprehended in Brasil-On his way to Mexico's Game

Brasil arrested a suspected Mexican drug trafficker on his way to watch his national soccer team play in the World Cup. He bought a ticket under his real name.

José Díaz Barajas 49, was arrested at Rio de Janeiro's Tom Jobim airport on Monday night as he boarded a plane to Fortaleza, where Mexico played Brazil on Tuesday, Luiz Cravo Dorea, head of international co-operation at the Federal Police, said.  He had tickets for today's game.

The world soccer governing body, FIFA, had informed police that  Diaz-Barajas, who was accompanied by his wife and two children (ages 27 and 19), held tickets. FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer declined to comment when asked by email about its co-operation with the police.

"Barajas was one of the most sought traffickers in the United States," Mr Dorea told reporters in Brasilia. "He will remain imprisoned in Rio until his extradition to the US is determined."

Jose Diaz Barajas, who is wanted on suspicion of trafficking methamphetamine to the United States, was arrested by Brazilian police on a warrant from Interpol and will remain detained until a judge decides on a U.S. extradition request.

Authorities were aware that Diaz drove into Brasil from Paraguay on June 11th, but held off arresting him to see if he was in the country for  drug business.  He used his real name throughout the trip.

The Drug Enforcement Agency assisted in the arrest of Diaz-Barajas, said agent Joseph Moses, an agency spokesman.

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