Mexico arrests gang leader over mass graves

Mexico arrests gang leader over mass graves

2011-04-18 04:20:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The Mexican navy on Saturday arrested a main suspect in the murder of 145 people whose bodies were found in the mass graves located in Mexico's northern state of Tamaulipas.

Martín Omar Estrada Luna, also known as El Kilo, is allegedly the leader of the 'Los Zetas' drug cartel in the municipality of San Fernando, Tamaulipas. He is also being accused for the deaths of 72 migrants found in August last year in the same municipality, a statement from the navy said.

The Attorney General's Office announced earlier this week a reward of up to 15 million Mexican pesos ($1.2 million) for any information that leads to the arrest of four Zetas leaders, including Estrada.

Last week, local authorities said they found the graves while investigating reports that passengers from a bus were kidnapped in late March. It is believed that they were people who refused to enlist within the ranks of 'Los Zetas' drug cartel, but forensic investigators have not confirmed if the bodies are the missing passengers or immigrants.

Mexico's Attorney General Marisela Morales announced that 16 San Fernando police officers were detained on Wednesday for their involvement in the mass graves, as they are being accused of cooperating and protecting members of the criminal group, as well as covering up the perpetrators of the mass murders.

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