ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 16, 1996 TAG: 9601170001
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: MEXICO CITY
SOURCE: Associated Press
One of Mexico's most notorious drug lords, a fugitive on the FBI's 10 most-wanted list, was behind bars Monday after eluding authorities on both sides of the border for years.
The arrest of Juan Garcia Abrego was a huge victory for the government, coming after critics said corruption has prevented the government from halting the flow of narcotics into the United States.
Garcia Abrego has been linked to top Mexican officials accused of corruption, including Raul Salinas, the elder brother of the former Mexican president.
``The capture of Garcia Abrego is a triumph for the Mexican government and for close U.S.-Mexican collaboration in anti-narcotics matters,'' State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said in Washington. ``It illustrates the commitment of both governments.''
Drug Enforcement and State Department officials confirmed the capture of the mustachioed drug lord.
It was not immediately known if Garcia Abrego, who last year was reported to be trying to negotiate a conditional surrender, had turned himself in.
Garcia Abrego, 51, is the reputed head of the Gulf cartel, Mexico's second most-powerful drug organization.
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