Zeta drug lord controls cartel from prison in Mexico

In Mexico, a U.S. indictment has revealed that Miguel Angel Treviño Morales, a notorious drug lord, has been orchestrating operations of the Northeast Cartel from within a Mexican prison since his arrest in 2013. The indictment, unsealed in the District of Columbia, alleges that Treviño Morales and his brother Omar, who was arrested in 2015, established the Northeast Cartel as a successor to the Zetas cartel, which had previously terrorized the country. They reportedly utilized family members to manage daily operations, highlighting significant security issues within Mexican prisons that allow inmates to maintain control over criminal enterprises. The indictment accuses the Treviño Morales brothers of various serious offenses, including drug trafficking and money laundering, which could lead to life sentences. The U.S. has sought their extradition for nearly a decade, but legal appeals have stalled the process. This situation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime, as drug lords often resist extradition to maintain their influence while incarcerated. The Northeast Cartel, also known as Cartel Del Noreste, has been linked to violent incidents, including attacks on military personnel in Nuevo Laredo, a border city with Texas. The cartel's violent reputation continues to grow, with recent reports of shootings and military confrontations. The ongoing violence in the region has drawn attention from both Mexican and U.S. officials, who are concerned about the implications for public safety. Overall, the indictment sheds light on the persistent issues of organized crime in Mexico and the difficulties in dismantling powerful drug trafficking organizations, even from behind bars. The Treviño Morales brothers' ability to maintain control over their cartel from prison exemplifies the deep-rooted challenges in addressing drug-related violence and corruption in the country.