The leader of Mexico’s powerful and dangerous cartel, the Zetas, was captured this week in Monterrey, Mexico. Alejandro Trevino-Morales was taken in by “federal forces” and is currently being detained. Trevino-Morales, also known as Omar, has been the cartel’s leader since 2013, after his brother was arrested.
Omar is being held on murder and abduction charges, as well charges for helping smuggle millions of kilos of cocaine into the United States. The Mexican and American governments are offering millions of dollars ($5 million from the US and $2 million from Mexico) in reward money for capture of the cartel’s weapons. Shockingly, he was captured without any shots being fired.
The Zetas began as a group of Mexican Special Forces “deserters.” They started out as protectors for a former cartel, the Gulf Cartel, leader. Like many fragmented groups do, the Zeta’s grew in numbers and power and began to smuggle large amounts of cocaine across the border.
While this is a victory for Mexico’s president and government, as we know it is very easy for new leaders to rise to power.
Castillo, Eduardo. “Mexico Arrests Zetas Cartel Leader Omar Trevino Morales.” CTVNews. N.p., 04 Mar. 2015. Web. 04 Mar. 2015.
“Officials: Leader of Mexico’s Zetas Drug Cartel Captured.” Fox News. FOX News Network, 04 Mar. 2015. Web. 04 Mar. 2015.
“Reputed Boss of Zetas Drug Cartel Captured in Mexico – CNN.com.” CNN. Cable News Network, 04 Mar. 2015. Web. 04 Mar. 2015.
TRANS-NATIONAL CRIME AND TERRORISM 