Source: New York Times Contact: Website: http://www.nytimes.com/ Pubdate: Tue, 23 Jun 1998 Author: Associated Press U.S. BACKS AGENTS IN MEXICO DISPUTE WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House of Representatives has put a heavy stamp of approval on a U.S. undercover anti-narcotics sting operation that has strained relations with Mexico. A nonbinding resolution, approved 404-3 Monday night, also states that the United States ``should not extradite to Mexico'' American law enforcement agents involved in a money-laundering operation that netted 150 arrests, including several Mexican bankers. ``Operation Casablanca,'' also resulted in the seizure of $110 million and indictments against three Mexican banks in the United States. The Mexican government has expressed anger that U.S. agents carried out the sting without informing Mexican officials, and has indicated that it wants to prosecute the agents and to seek their extradition to face criminal charges. ``While their shock is predictable their threats against U.S. law enforcement agents is disappointing and should not be given credence,'' said Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., sponsor of the resolution. ``It is truly outrageous for the government of Mexico to threaten to seek extradition of our law enforcement agents.'' The Mexican foreign secretariat issued a statement lamenting the resolution. ``It's most strange, to say the least, that the U.S. legislature seems to be unaware of the legal structure in force between the two countries in terms of bilateral cooperation to combat drug trafficking and, in particular, money laundering,'' the statement said. - --- Checked-by: Richard Lake