A U.S. federal official says Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, head of the brutal Zetas drug cartel, has been captured in northern Mexico.

Trevino Morales, known as "Z-40," was captured in Nuevo Laredo, in the biggest victory in President Enrique Pena Nieto's efforts against cartels, according to Mexican media.

The U.S. official who confirmed the capture was not authorized to speak to the press and asked not to be identified.

Trevino Morales took control of the Zetas following the death of group founder Heriberto Lazcano in October 2012.

The U.S. State Department had offered a $5 million reward for Trevino Morales.