Latest Mexico Drug Arrest May Cripple Gulf Cartel
Authorities have captured the top leader of the Gulf cartel, a potentially fatal blow to one of Mexico’s major drug-trafficking networks that could also unleash a violent power struggle that would pose an immediate and explosive challenge to the incoming government of President-elect Enrique Peña Nieto.
It is the second big catch of a suspected Gulf cartel capo in 10 days and essentially wipes out the leadership of an organization that once dominated large parts of Mexico. The cartel still controls important smuggling routes to the United States through the northeastern border region.
Jorge Eduardo Costilla Sanchez, alias “El Coss,” was arrested Wednesday night at a home in the eastern port city of Tampico, in the border state of Tamaulipas, navy spokesman Vice Adm. Jose Luis Vergara said Thursday. He said Costilla did not resist, but five of his bodyguards were captured in an earlier shootout; other gunmen fleeing that skirmish apparently led troops to Costilla’s hide-out.
Flanked by masked marines, Costilla was presented to reporters in Mexico City on Thursday morning.