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Mexico Busts Drug Lord's Son

Military says arrest of Sinaloa kingpin's son deals a heavy blow to cartel

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2009 5:12 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Mexican military has arrested the son of one of the country's most powerful drug barons, reports the Los Angeles Times. Vicente Zambada, 33, whose father is deputy head of the Sinaloa cartel, had risen through the ranks to become one of the cartel's top leaders and had ordered the killings of police and rivals, according to authorities.

Zambada, allegedly the cartel's head of logistics and security, was arrested along with five subordinates during a raid in a swanky part of Mexico City. Authorities confiscated cash, cars and military-grade weapons from the men.The capture of  "El Vicentillo" is expected to deal a serious blow to the organization's ability to operate and move drugs, said officials. 

Military officers guard Vicente Zambada, third left front, and five unidentified men who were presented to the media as Zambada's alleged bodyguards in Mexico City, Thursday, March 19, 2009.
Military officers guard Vicente Zambada, third left front, and five unidentified men who were presented to the media as Zambada's alleged bodyguards in Mexico City, Thursday, March 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Military officers escort alleged drug trafficker Vicente Zambada during his presentation to the media in Mexico City yesterday.
Military officers escort alleged drug trafficker Vicente Zambada during his presentation to the media in Mexico City yesterday.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Military officers escort alleged drug trafficker Vicente Zambada as he's paraded before the media in Mexico City yesterday.
Military officers escort alleged drug trafficker Vicente Zambada as he's paraded before the media in Mexico City yesterday.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
riffran
Mar 21, 2009 6:17 AM CDT
"head in the basket"....hell yeah....THEY would damn well do it to the police...give them a taste of the same
oldgoat
Mar 20, 2009 10:56 AM CDT
To make a point I'd put the word out that if any cop gets killed because of them takng him in the cartel will find his head in the street.
Mr.C
Mar 20, 2009 8:41 AM CDT
..but not thrive.

Kingpin's son busted after tipoff
Latin American Herald Tribune

Cartel leader makes Forbes rich list
Guardian (UK)

Authorities fear cartels are joining forces
Fox News

 
Mexico • Mexican drug war • drug cartel • Sinaloa drug cartel • drug traffickers

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