Drug cartel runs training camp for gang members

Los Zetas, the Texas cell of a ruthless Mexican drug cartel, operates a secluded ranch where it trains its members to "neutralize" competitors in the United States, the Houston Chronicle writes, quoting FBI reports.

The newspaper says the FBI, relying on "reliable" contacts, has informed law enforcement officers nationwide about the gang's operations. It says Los Zetas ships cocaine and heroin to buyers as far away as Delaware and Michigan.

The Chronicle says the location of the training camp was not divulged, but reports that trainees "are taught about home invasions, firearms and ways to run vehicles off the road in order to kidnap occupants who owe drugs debts."

Posted at 09:24 AM/ET, May 20, 2009 in Americas, Crime, Nation
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