Alleged Drug Trafficker Arrested in Md.

Chinese-Mexican businessman Zhenli Ye Gon is interviewed in his lawyer's office in Queens, N.Y., in this Thursday, May 17, 2007 file photo. Mexican federal officials said on Monday, July 23, 2007, that alleged drug trafficker Zhenli Ye Gon, who is tied to the largest seizure of drug cash in world history, has been arrested in Rockville, Maryland. He is wanted in Mexico on organized crime, drug trafficking and weapons charges and Mexican officials have requested his arrest for extradition. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (Richard Drew - AP)

"Only the United States can provide the most comprehensive procedural safeguards concerning what is happening on the Mexican side," Ye said.

Ye denounced the "lousy evidence made up by Mexican government" and said Ye Gon would apply for political asylum in the U.S.

Medina Mora called the arrest "magnificent news" and said Mexican officials had 60 days to file their legal arguments for extradition.

He added that Ye Gon's girlfriend Michelle Wong has been detained in Las Vegas and she may also face criminal charges in connection with the trafficking.

Ye Gon's other U.S. lawyer, Martin F. McMahon, had said he would ask that Ye Gon be given asylum in the United States and called for congressional hearings and a DEA investigation into his client's claims.

Rogelio de la Garza, Ye Gon's lawyer in Mexico, said he feared that U.S. authorities may simply deport him to Mexico to avoid a drawn out battle in U.S. courts.

"I don't know if his visa (for the United States) has run our or not," De la Garza told The Associated Press.

U.S. anti-drug officials have praised Calderon's crackdown on Mexican traffickers since taking office. DEA chief Karen Tandy also praised Mexican agents following the March money seizure.

"This is like law enforcement hitting the ultimate jackpot. But luck had nothing to do with this windfall," Tandy said, calling it "the largest single drug-cash seizure the world has ever seen."

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Associated Press Writers Michael Rubinkam in Harrisburg, Pa., and Lara Jakes Jordan in Washington contributed to this report.