Mexican authorities have captured a man suspected to be a major player in Tijuana’s Arellano Felix drug cartel. The brutal organization is responsible smuggling billions of drugs to the United States. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
US and Mexican law enforcement authorities say Mexican agents surprised Eduardo Arellano Felix at a home in Tijuana Saturday afternoon.
US Drug Enforcement Administration Spokeswoman Eileen Zeidler says Mexican authorities were acting on tips from US officials.
Zeidler says the arrest is another significant blow to Tijuana's Arellano Felix Cartel.
She says Eduardo is the last Arellano Felix brother who plays a role in the organization.
She says Eduardo's nephew, who's still at large, runs day-to-day operations.
Zeilder says Eduardo mentored his nephew and was his confidant.
The arrest comes amidst unprecedented drug cartel violence in Tijuana. More than 140 people have been murdered in the last month. Drug cartels are battling to control the key smuggling turf between San Diego and Tijuana.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
