Mexico has extradited 11 fugitives, accused of crimes including murder, sex offenses, drug trafficking and money laundering, to face trial in the United States, the Justice Department said Sunday.

"The extradition of these 11 defendants exemplifies the strong cooperative relationship between the United States and Mexico," said Attorney General Eric Holder.

Justice said Mexico has extradited a record 100 fugitives to the United States in 2009. The previous record, 95, was set in 2008.

"Each year since 2001, Mexico has increased the number of defendants it extradites to the United States," Holder said. "By ensuring that alleged criminals are held accountable, we send a strong message that fleeing across the border does not mean you will escape justice."

The fugitives arrived in the U.S. on Saturday and will be transferred to the jurisdictions where they face charges. The extradited defendants are:

_ Victor Manuel Contreras Soltero and Arturo Casas Vasquez, indicted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for conspiracy to import and to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.

_ Leonardo Vasquez Estrada, charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit money laundering and 12 counts of money laundering.

_ Jesus Emilio Rivera Pinon, charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering.

_ Francisco Contreras, charged in Marion County, Ind., with five counts of sexual offenses against a minor. Continued...