The Associated Press
MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities say they’ve captured a U.S. citizen alleged to be a top member of a major drug cartel.
They say he will be sent back to the U.S. immediately.
Gustavo Rivera Martinez is said to be a top member of the Tijuana-based Arellano-Felix (ah-ray-YAH'-noh fay-LEEKS’) cartel. According to information on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Web site, he has been a fugitive since 2002. The U.S. government has offered a $2-million reward for his capture.
Mexican authorities says Rivera Martinez was arrested last night along with three other suspects.
The Arellano Felix cartel emerged as a drug-trafficking powerhouse in the 1980s. It recruited dozens of police into its ranks and paid millions in bribes to law enforcement and military personnel.
Its influence is believed to have waned in recent years as its leaders have been killed or captured.