$150m drug cash haul in cartels blitz

MEXICAN police seized at least $150 million in cash — believed to be the proceeds of drug smuggling — found inside a mansion in a luxurious residential area in the capital, local media reported yesterday.

Authorities arrested seven people, including a Chinese couple, who were in the house where drugs, weapons and vehicles were found, El Universal newspaper said.

Wads of cash were stacked in drawers, suitcases and closets around the house.

The Reforma newspaper reported the search warrant was part of a drug trafficking and money laundering investigation started by federal authorities last year.

Unidentified sources told the newspaper that those arrested were linked to Colombian drug lords.

Mexican president Felipe Calderon launched an aggressive nationwide campaign after taking office in December to fight cartels that channel South American drugs into the US.