Mexico captures high-level cartel member

Meagan Flood
3/20/09
Blog 8
11:00 am

One of the most powerful men in the Mexican drug cartel was captured Thursday in his home. The chief of security and operations, Vicente Zambada, has been detained after officials stormed his home early Wednesday morning. This is another huge blow to the drug cartel after just last month 755 members were arrested in the Unites States. Zambada became a top cartel leader last year, having control over logistics and authority to order assassinations of governmental authorities and rivals. Zambada not only faces charges in Mexico but also in the US where he faces drug trafficking indictments. Zambada and his father, Ismael Zambada, have been accused of using planes, boats, trucks, and cars to move nearly $50 million worth of cocaine from Colombia to New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and California between August 2001 and June 2002.

This is a huge step in the right direction for the government. Zambada’s brother was captured last year and now Vicente Zambada has been captured. If officials can continue to crack down and capture Zambada’s father, who is considered a top cartel leader, then I feel they can begin to put a stop to this major drug trafficking. Both presidents Obama and Calderon have had a good amount of success so far and hopefully as they continue to work together they can put an end to this powerful drug cartel.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29773111/