Mexico: Police capture 'La Familia' drug cartel leader 'el Chango'

Mexico: Police capture 'La Familia' drug cartel leader 'el Chango'

2011-06-22 08:22:33 GMT+7 (ICT)

AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- Mexican authorities on Tuesday captured one of the leaders of the 'La Familia' drug cartel, Jose de Jesus Mendez Vargas, in the northwestern state of Aguascalientes.

Mendez Vargas, who is also known as 'el Chango' (the Monkey), was reportedly captured in the municipality of Cosio, located in the state of Aguascalientes, during an operation conducted by Federal Police Agents, according to preliminary reports.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Tuesday through his Twitter account stated: "Huge blow by the Federal Police against organized crime. One of the most-wanted criminals was captured. Congratulations."

Mendez Vargas formed part of the Gulf drug cartel, but after the arrest of Osiel Cardenas, he formed the 'La Famlia Michoacana' drug cartel alongside Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, who is also known as 'el Chayo.' Moreno Gonzalez was killed last December during a violent shootout against security forces in Michoacan, leaving Mendez Vargas and Servando Gonzalez, 'la Tuta,' as the cartel's leaders.

The La Famlia drug cartel, which was initially trained by 'Los Zetas,' is known for beginning the violent trend of beheading members of their rival criminal groups. A violent drug war between 'La Familia' and 'Los Caballeros Templarios' (The Templar Knights), which is led by Dionicio Loya Plancarte and Servando Gomez Martinez, has taken place in the state of Michoacan as they struggle to control the region's drug trafficking.

Mendez Vargaz, who is currently under state custody in Aguascalientes, is expected to be transported to Mexico City where his arrest will be officially announced on Tuesday evening.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-22