Mexico arrests drug kingpin
Published:Monday | September 13, 2010 | 4:51 PM
The Mexican authorities say they have arrested one of the country's most wanted drugs traffickers.
Sergio Villarreal - known as El Grande - was detained by navy marines in the city of Puebla, east of Mexico City.
He is alleged to be a top lieutenant in the powerful Beltran Leyva cartel.
His arrest comes two weeks after the capture of another drug kingpin, Edgar Valdez, known as Barbie, who led a rival faction of the same cartel.
The navy said Villarreal was arrested non-violently following an intelligence operation.
Two other people who were with him were also detained.
A reward of around 2 point 3 million US dollars had been offered for information leading to his arrest.
His capture will provide a boost for President Felipe Calderon, who has faced growing criticism in recent months from opponents who think his military-led campaign against the cartels is not working.