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. Sunday, 10 March, 2002


Mexican Forces Capture Alleged Drug Chief
VOA News
10 Mar 2002
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Mexican special forces have captured the reputed leader of the country's most violent drug cartel, Benjamin Arellano Felix, in a raid without a single gunshot being fired. 

The Mexican Attorney General Rafael Macedo de la Concha said troops arrested the alleged kingpin early Saturday in central Mexico. 

Officials say the raid also confirmed the death of Benjamin Arellano Felix's brother and alleged-cartel co-leader, Ramon. They say Benjamin Arellano Felix confirmed suspicions his brother was killed last month in a shoot-out with police. 

Mexican President Vicente Fox welcomed the arrest as a "great triumph for justice." U.S. and Mexican authorities have been trying to apprehend the two brothers for years, and Ramon Arellano Felix is on the FBI's 10 most wanted list. 

The brothers' Tijuana drug gang is accused of killing at least 300 police officers, prosecutors, judges, drug rivals and innocent bystanders in its bid to control the enormous cocaine and marijuana trade on the U.S.- Mexican border. Officials believe several other Arellano Felix brothers are involved in the cartel. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters. 

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