MEXICO: Navy presents a massive weapons cache seized from feared Zetas drug gang

Record ID: 202046

  • Title: MEXICO: Navy presents a massive weapons cache seized from feared Zetas drug gang
  • Date: 10th June 2011
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JUNE 9, 2011) (REUTERS) MARINE OFFICER DURING PRESENTATION VARIOUS OF SEIZED WEAPONS, GRENADES, DRUGS, UNIFORMS ARRESTED MEN BEING LED INTO NEWS CONFERENCE BY MARINE OFFICERS VARIOUS OF ARRESTED MEN GENERAL VIEW OF PRESENTATION (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) REAR ADMIRAL JOSE LUIS VERGARA, SAYING: "Personnel went to the indicated location where they foun
  • Embargoed: 25th June 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico, Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Reuters ID: LVA9PFEZ5DJGOMUEF2EQJN5V7TOH
  • Story Text: Mexico's navy arrested five men in possession of a massive weapons arsenal while conducting a routine check on a highway in the northern state of Coahuila on Wednesday (June 8).
    After being stopped at a checkpoint, the suspects aged between 18 and 33, admitted they worked for the feared Zetas drug after troops discovered counterfeit uniforms on board the vehicle they were travelling in.
    The men then led naval troops to another location where the weapons cache - including 204 rifles, 11 guns, hundreds of cartridges, chargers, as well as seventeen hand grenades - were found.
    "Personnel went to the indicated location where they found a cargo vehicle with capacity to carry up to four tonnes. It was partially hidden among some trees. Upon further inspection a weapons arsenal, which was presumably used to train members of the Zetas criminal organization in the area, was found inside," Rear Admiral Jose Luis Vergara told a news conference in Mexico City on Thursday (June 9).
    Military uniforms were also found inside a house on the property.
    In a separate incident in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, navy troops seized about 200 kilogrammes of cocaine on board two trucks. The drugs were found in hidden compartments.
    More than 30,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since Mexican President Felipe Calderon sent the army to fight the cartels in December 2006. The government says the bloodshed is a sign the gangs are weakening.
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