Pubdate: Mon, 20 May 2002
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Associated Press

3 DRUG GANG MEMBERS CAUGHT IN MEXICO

MEXICO CITY -- Officials have arrested three members of the Gulf drug 
organization, the latest blow to Mexico's major drug gangs.

Mexicans Cesar Cuauhtemoc Sanchez and Sergio Amadeo Benavides, as 
well as Colombian Ruben Villa Garcia were arrested Sunday during an 
army operation in Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, 
Texas, officials said.

Officials also seized weapons, computers, vehicles and drugs during 
the operation, according to a statement released by Mexico's 
secretary of defense.

The arrests were the latest blow to the Gulf cartel, led by Osiel Cardenas.

Adan Medrano Rodriguez, Cardenas' alleged right-hand man, was 
arrested in March.

On Sunday, Mexico's navy denied that it helped protect the Pacific 
coast cocaine-shipping routes of the Tijuana drug organization.

In a statement, the navy denied the accusations, saying it has acted 
in a "normal manner and according to naval regulations and laws."

Reforma newspaper reported on Sunday that operatives of the cartel 
paid officers $250,000 for each shipment of Colombian cocaine they 
received, then shipped to the United States.
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