Mexico says Knights Templar drug cartel operator arrested

Associated Press
Posted: 11/15/2011 09:39:10 AM MST

MEXICO CITY-Mexican officials say they have arrested a drug dealer who controlled smuggling routes and ran a campaign of murder and intimidation for the Knights Templar drug cartel.

The Defense Department says Juan Gabriel Orozco Favela was in charge of smuggling drugs through the Michoacan state capital of Morelia for the quasi-religious gang, which is known as a major trafficker of methamphetamine.

Officials say Orosco Favela was responsible for the deaths of 21 people who were tortured and hanged or drowned and dumped around the outskirts of Morelia in June.

The military says Orosco Favela was arrested Sunday, the day of statewide elections in Michoacan. The losing parties say the vote was hampered by drug-gang intimidation.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_19339658