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Border & Immigration

Mexican Authorites Arrest Alleged Arellano Felix Drug Cartel Killer

Federal authorities in Mexico say they arrested a top ranking member of the Arellano Felix drug cartel at a casino in Tijuana early this morning. The man has strong ties to San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Bingo is not what police shouted when they burst into the casino and ordered patrons to the floor.

Though, it would have been appropriate.

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Police got their man. He was at a table in the bingo parlor where, moments prior, dozens of people marked their cards as a caller rattled off numbers.

DEA spokeswoman Eileen Zeidler says Pedro Zazueta, or "El Pit" used to run with a gang in Barrio Logan. In the mid-'90s, he began with Tijuana's Arellano Felix Drug Cartel. She says he's how a top lieutenant.

Eileen Zeidler: Responsible for conducting enforcement actions, homicides and kidnappings, on behalf of the AFO.

The Arellano Felix Cartel recruited gunmen from Barrio Logan during the '80s and '90s.

A series of high profile arrests and killings have hobbled the cartel during the last few years.

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DEA officials say this is another serious blow.

Amy Isackson, KPBS news.