Mexican marines arrest presumed cartel operator

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100912/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_drug_war_mexico ^

[kcvl]

MEXICO CITY – Mexican marines have arrested Sergio Villarreal Barragan, a presumed leader of the Beltran Leyva cartel who appears on the country's list of most-wanted drug traffickers.

An official in Mexico's Navy tells The Associated Press that Barragan, alias "El Grande," was captured in the state of Puebla. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.

Barragan appears on a 2009 Attorney General's Office list of Mexico's most-wanted drug traffickers and has a roughly $2 million reward for his capture. He is listed as one of the top leaders of the Beltran Leyva cartel.

Barragan's capture comes two weeks after the arrest of Edgar Valdez Villarreal, or "The Barbie," another alleged capo linked to the Beltran Leyvas.

[SgtHooper]

I simply have a real hard time believing there are uncorrupted law enforcement officers in Mexico. Come on, they would have been killed by now. I hope I am wrong. They have to be one tight band of brothers.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I read an article a few months back about the Mexican Navy and Naval Infantry (Marine Corps) and how they are generally considered to be about the only uncorrupt major organization in the Mexican military/law enforcement.

They have conducted a number of successful counter-drug operations over the years, including the interception of several drug-smuggling submarines and the destruction of a number of major drug farms.

[Rembrandt]

The country of Mexico really needs to deal with their drug issues before some well-meaning South American leader (that scum Chavez) attempts a takeover. I’ll bet he’s plotting.

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

There are Mexican police and military units that are very good, dedicated law enforcement agents and protectors of their society.

Let us acknowledge their bravery and sacrifices, and thank them for both.

[biff]

Yep, but they did make one critical mistake by capturing this guy and not drilling him with a couple dozen applications of lead penetrators.

[Jet Jaguar]

BTTT