Prominent cartel member's arrest sparks concern
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Oct 1, 2012 at 5:51 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Oct 2, 2012
The arrest of a zeta leader last week in San Luis Potosi, Mexico had people wondering if violence in Nuevo Laredo would escalate and what it would mean for people here in Laredo.
Our Annette Garcia spoke with a local law enforcement leader to find out.
He's known as 'El Taliban'.
A Zeta cartel leader named Ivan Velazquez Caballero who battled over Nuevo Laredo.
“That name has been on the forefront on forefront of the war on drugs.”
But after caballero's arrest last week some wondered if the situation in our sister city would become more or less violent without one of the key players.
“It is very very difficult to predict an increase or decrease in violence in Nuevo Laredo because of this arrest.”
Other arrests of leaders similar to 'El Taliban' have created bloodbaths.
“Hopefully it doesn’t happen in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon or Tamualipas but its still open to see what happens.”
If it does escalate Assistant Chief Torres says violence shouldn't concern Laredoans but officers here will be on the lookout.
There is fear that El Taliban's rival will hunt down those who backed the now arrested leader in an attempt to take over the turf.
“The potential of the criminal element crossing into the united states illegally to seek refuge from anyone that may be hunting them down now.”
Torres says right now, there is one thing that is certain.
“the news of the arrest of Ivan Velazquez caballero, it was very welcome by the American police agencies. all levels federal state and local.”
Torres say all local officers have been notified about the cartel leaders' arrest and the Laredo Police Department continues working hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies.
