Mexican police arrest major drug cartel leader

The arrest of reputed drug cartel leader Osiel Cardenas – nearly a year after the death of another of Mexico’s notorious drug lords and the arrest of his brother – may mark the end of an era for the drug kingpins who have dominated the country for two decades.

Cardenas, 35, a former mechanic’s aid who shot his way up through the ranks and shipped tons of cocaine and marijuana to the United States, was taken to the La Palma maximum-security prison west of Mexico City yesterday to await a court appearance on charges of organised crime, drug and weapons charges. Two former army officers arrested with him face weapons charges.

Smaller gangs now may be taking the place of the big ”corporate” cartels like Cardenas’ Gulf Cartel.

Newer gangs share territories but react violently to police pressure, and they appear to have less infighting.