Mexico: 15 drug cartel members killed during operation, 36 arrested

Mexico: 15 drug cartel members killed during operation, 36 arrested

2011-05-31 05:53:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- Mexico's Public Security Department announced that last Friday's operation against suspected members of drug cartel 'La Familia' in the western region of the country, resulted in the death of 15 people, after four more bodies were found on Sunday.

The operation took place in the small town of Las Lomas in the municipality of Jilotitlan, which is located in the state of Jalisco, near its border with the state of Michoacan. During the operation, 36 suspected member of 'La Familia' were arrested after investigative teams were able to determine the suspects' location following the May 24 attack against a police helicopter.

Initial reports by the Public Security Department said 11 people had been killed and two federal police agents were injured. However, four additional bodies were discovered as investigative teams searched the area of the operation.

In addition, 70 assault rifles were seized, 14 pistols, 3 grenades, 21,121 cartridges, 40 bulletproof vests, 14 helmets, as well as communication equipment and other items.

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