Accused Drug Cartel Hitman appears in Fargo court

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Fargo, ND) -- A man accused of being a former hitman for a Mexican drug cartel is facing charges in North Dakota.

Juan Sillas-Rocha appeared in a Fargo courtroom Tuesday on charges that include conspiracy to commit murder for a continuing criminal enterprise.

Authorities say Sillas-Rocha came under suspicion in North Dakota after a man was killed over a drug debt.

Officials say Sillas-Rocha was a top lieutenant for the Felix cartel, which smuggled cocaine and other drugs into the U.S. for decades. He was caught in Tijuana eleven years ago.