Mexican police arrests founder of Los Zetas drug cartel

Mexican police arrests founder of Los Zetas drug cartel

2011-01-19 05:32:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO (BNO NEWS) - Mexican police on Monday arrested one of the founders of the criminal organization Los Zetas, authorities said.

Flavio Méndez Santiago, also known as "El Amarillo," was arrested in Villa Etla, a municipality in Oaxaca, for allegedly controlling the illegal traffic of immigrants and drugs in southeastern Mexico.

He was identified as responsible for controlling the smuggling of illegal immigrants from Central and South America, who were transported to the northern states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas. Méndez was also the personal bodyguard of the Gulf Cartel's former leader, Osiel Cardenas Guillen in 1988.

Ramón Eduardo Pequeño, head of the drug enforcement division of federal police, said Méndez is on the list of Mexico's 37 most-wanted criminals and a reward of 15 million pesos (1.25 million) was offered.

The member of the Zetas drug cartel is also being investigated for other drug crimes, attempted murder and organized crime. He is further suspected of the kidnapping of migrants in the state of Oaxaca. His personal escort was also arrested.

The Zetas is one of Mexico's major drug trafficking organizations, and one of the most violent ones. Thousands of people have been killed in drug-related violence throughout the country.

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