Leader of Gulf drug cartel arrested in Mexico

(Vatican Radio) Mexican Authorities announced Marines have captured the leader of the infamous Gulf drug cartel.


A Government Spokesman says Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sanchez was arrested by a special squad of heavily armed Marines in Tampico, North Eastern Mexico putting up no resistance. The US State Department has offered a five million dollar reward leading to his detention. His capture comes a week after the arrest of one of his senior Lieutenants, also by Mexican Marines.

Costilla, known as "El Coss," is wanted on a variety of narcotics related charges on both sides of the Border. Its likely US Authorities will formally apply for his extradition to face US Justice. He's already been brought to Mexico City under heavy guard.

The Gulf cartel is also under fire from former henchmen. It employed Mexican Special Forces deserters called the Zetas as bodyguards and assassins. But then, the Zetas turned on their bosses, broke away and formed their own ultra violent cartel. A feud between these two strands of organized crime, has already cost many lives.

Listen to the full report by James Blears: