Mexico: leader of Juarez drug cartel captured
Associated Press
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Police believe they may have arrested Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, the leader of Mexico's top drug cartel, Mexican President Vicente Fox's spokesman said Monday.
Ruben Aguilar said officials arrested the man Saturday at a shopping mall in Mexico City. He said the man, who went by the name Joaquin Romero, was being fingerprinted and his DNA was being checked to confirm his real identity.
"Right now, it is likely Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, but it isn't completely confirmed," Aguilar said.
Drug leaders often use false names and change their appearance to avoid capture. Carrillo Fuentes' brother, Amado, led the cartel until 1997, when he was believed to have died during botched plastic surgery.
If confirmed, the detention of Vicente Carrillo Fuentes would be a major blow to the Juarez cartel, the only drug gang that hasn't had a top leader arrested amid a nationwide crackdown.
As rival organizations - including the Gulf cartel and the feared Arellano Felix gang - lost their leaders to government operatives, the Juarez cartel flourished and has been waging a bloody battle for control of drug routes all along the border.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050704/NEWS0201/50704001/1024
Associated Press
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Police believe they may have arrested Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, the leader of Mexico's top drug cartel, Mexican President Vicente Fox's spokesman said Monday.
Ruben Aguilar said officials arrested the man Saturday at a shopping mall in Mexico City. He said the man, who went by the name Joaquin Romero, was being fingerprinted and his DNA was being checked to confirm his real identity.
"Right now, it is likely Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, but it isn't completely confirmed," Aguilar said.
Drug leaders often use false names and change their appearance to avoid capture. Carrillo Fuentes' brother, Amado, led the cartel until 1997, when he was believed to have died during botched plastic surgery.
If confirmed, the detention of Vicente Carrillo Fuentes would be a major blow to the Juarez cartel, the only drug gang that hasn't had a top leader arrested amid a nationwide crackdown.
As rival organizations - including the Gulf cartel and the feared Arellano Felix gang - lost their leaders to government operatives, the Juarez cartel flourished and has been waging a bloody battle for control of drug routes all along the border.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050704/NEWS0201/50704001/1024