The US Department of Justice said Tuesday that it will drop charges against Mexico’s former defense minister and return him to Mexico for possible prosecution.

Former Mexican Secretary of National Defense General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, nicknamed “The Godfather,” has been accused of working on behalf of the cartel H-2. He allegedly took bribes to protect the cartel and its leaders. Zepeda was arrested on October 15 in Los Angeles, California, on charges of conspiracy to manufacture, import and distribute narcotics, as well as charges of money laundering.

The Attorney General of Mexico opened its own investigation following the arrest, requesting that the US provide evidence and support investigation by Mexican authorities. On Tuesday, US Attorney General William Barr issued a joint statement with Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero that the US would seek dismissal of the US criminal charges against Cienfuegos so that he could be investigated and potentially charged under Mexican law.

Our two countries remain committed to cooperation on this matter, as well as all our bilateral law enforcement cooperation. As the decision today reflects, we are stronger when we work together and respect the sovereignty of our nations and their institutions. This close partnership increases the security of the citizens of both our countries.