A former Mexican law enforcement official who worked closely with U.S. authorities faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison for aiding drug traffickers.

But prosecutors are recommending Jesus Quinonez be ordered to spend eight years and one month in federal prison when he is sentenced Monday.

Quinonez was the international liaison for the Baja California state attorney general's office until his arrest in July 2010 in San Diego. He was the primary contact for U.S. law enforcement with the office.

Prosecutors accused him of working with the remnants of the Tijuana-based Arellano Felix cartel in a wide-ranging indictment against 43 people.

Quinonez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in May. In his plea agreement, he acknowledged trying to arrange for $13 million to be smuggled into Mexico.