Mexico: 16 cops, 15 others helped Zetas drug gang

(AP) – 1 hour ago

PACHUCA, Mexico (AP) — Police in Mexico say they have arrested 31 suspected drug cartel members, including 16 police officers who allegedly were paid to protect the Zetas gang.

Hidalgo state police chief Damian Canales says the arrests began when police nabbed three alleged robbers earlier this week carrying about 30 yellow envelopes stuffed with a total of 100,000 pesos, or $8,100. Canales says it was the cartel payroll and some of the envelopes were marked with the names of police officers.

Hidalgo is the home state of alleged Zetas leader Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano and a transit point for drugs. Hidalgo authorities in May arrested a police chief, commanding officers and agents suspected of helping the Zetas.

Canales announced the arrests Friday.

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