U.S. judge sentences Mexican cartel boss to life in prison

FILE PHOTO: Mexican marines escort head of the Gulf Cartel (CDG) Jorge Eduardo "El Coss" Costilla Sanchez (C), as he is presented to the media in Mexico City September 13, 2012. REUTERS/Tomas Bravo

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican crime lord Jorge Costilla Sanchez was sentenced to life in prison in a U.S. federal court on Thursday for his involvement in trafficking marijuana and cocaine to the United States, the Justice Department said.

Costilla, also known by his nickname "El Coss," was head of the Gulf Cartel and one of former Mexican President Felipe Calderon's most-wanted criminals during his clampdown on drugs.