One of the most wanted drug gang leaders in Tijuana and San Diego has been arrested in Mexico. Mexican authorities say the man, Teodoro Garcia Simental or "El Teo," is tied to hundreds of murders and kidnappings.
Mexican federal authorities working in conjunction with US Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Garcia Simental in a luxury apartment complex in the fishing town of La Paz.
Mexican organized crime officials say Garcia Simental is tied to more than 300 murders in Tijuana. He reportedly had people dissolved in acid, and financed his operations by kidnapping Tijuana businessmen.
Tijuana's Mayor Jorge Ramos says the arrest shows Mexico's president has the power to subdue anything.
Victor Clark, who directs Tijuana's Binational Center for Human Rights, says the arrest is important.
"But he's only the leader of the army of these groups. He is not the one who is linked to the political or financial power in Tijuana," said Clark.
Clark says Garcia Simental's arrest will not end drug violence and trafficking in Tijuana. Clark expects to see Garcia Simental's replacement surface in a few months.
