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Los Zetas (Zetas, Zs) is a powerful and violent criminal syndicate in Mexico, and is considered by the U.S. government to be the “most technologically advanced, sophisticated, and dangerous cartel operating in Mexico.”[7][8] The origins of Los Zetas date back to 1999, when commandos of the Mexican Army’s elite forces deserted their ranks and decided to work as the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization.[9] In February 2010, Los Zetas broke away from their former employer and formed their own criminal organization.[10][11]

Los Zetas are well armed and equipped, and unlike other traditional criminal organizations in Mexico, drug trafficking makes up at least 50% of their revenue, while a large portion of the income comes from other activities directed against both rival drug cartels and civilians;[9] their brutal tactics, which include beheadings, torture and indiscriminate slaughter, show that they often prefer brutality over bribery.[9] Los Zetas are also Mexico’s largest drug cartel in terms of geographical presence, overtaking its rivals, the Sinaloa Cartel.[12] Los Zetas also operate through protection rackets, assassinations, extortion, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.[13] The organization is based in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, directly across the border from Laredo, Texas.[14][15]

9.^ a b c Stastna, Kazi (28 Auguste 2011). “The cartels behind Mexico’s drug war”. CBS News. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
10.^ a b “Weekend shootouts in northeastern Mexico kill at least 9”. CNN News. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
11.^ a b “El origen de ‘Los Zetas’: brazo armado del cártel del Golfo”. CNN México. 05 de julio del 2011.
12.^ “Zetas Now Mexico’s Biggest Cartel, Report Says”. Fox News. 26 January 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2012.
13.^ McCAUL, MICHAEL T. “A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border”. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
14.^ “Mexican Soldiers Becoming Drug Cartel Hit Men”. NewsMax. 21 June 2005.
15.^ “Dissecting a Mexican Cartel Bombing in Monterrey”. Stratfor. Retrieved 8 December 2011.

source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas