According to the police report filed by Orange and reviewed by CBS News, the group was reported missing by Orange on Saturday. [302][303][304] Investigators believe that more unreported kidnappings have occurred in nearby locations. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. [311] People smuggling is currently controlled by a cell within the Gulf Cartel known as Los Flacos, dedicated to the kidnapping and smuggling of undocumented migrants as far as South America to the United States. Matamoros, in full Heroica Matamoros, city, northern Tamaulipas estado (state), northeastern Mexico. [250] The 5 guards that were supposed to supervise have not been found, and the Federal government urged the state and municipal authorities to strengthen the security of their prisons. For example, the drug producers and suppliers,[284] although not considered in the basic structure, are critical operators of any drug cartel, along with the financers and money launderers. [123], Tamaulipas was mostly spared from the violence until early 2010, when the Gulf Cartel's enforcers, Los Zetas, split from and turned against the Gulf Cartel, sparking a bloody turf war. [21] Around 1994, it was estimated that the Gulf Cartel handled as much as "one-third of all cocaine shipments" into the United States from the Cali Cartel suppliers. 2:29. [212], In June 2020, Insight Crime journalist Victoria Dittmar claimed that the Gulf Cartel had undergone "fragmentation" at some point in time. The creation of Los Zetas brought a new era of drug trafficking in Mexico, and little did Crdenas know that he was creating the most violent drug cartel in the country. Victims of violence in Matamoros and other large border cities of Tamaulipas often go uncounted, because the cartels have a history of disappearing the bodies of their victims. Crdenas Guilln eventually let them go and threatened to kill them if they ever returned to his home turf. They came under fire shortly after entering the city of Matamoros from Brownsville, at the southernmost tip of Texas near the Gulf coast, the FBI said in a statement Sunday. They also fought for coastal cities Acapulco, Guerrero and Cancn, Quintana Roo; the state capital of Monterrey, Nuevo Len, and the states of Veracruz and San Luis Potos. [172] After the rupture between the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas (which until then had served as the cartel's armed wing), Los Escorpiones became the armed wing of the entire Gulf organization. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images) The recent armed attack on four U.S. citizens in the Mexican border city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas state, illustrated well-documented security risks in Mexico's many crime hotspots, where gang and cartel violence disrupts daily life and hinders business operations. By Daniel Becerril. In 2010, authorities discovered the bodies of 72 migrants from Central America who had been killed by the Zetas, a ruthless group that broke from the Gulf drug cartel in the mid-2000s. Meaning of Matamoros. [60], In 1997 the Gulf Cartel began to recruit military personnel whom Jess Gutirrez Rebollo, an Army General of that time, had assigned as representatives from the PGR offices in certain states across Mexico. [285][286][287] In addition, the arms suppliers operate in a completely different circle,[288] and are technically not considered part of the cartel's logistics. [195] Along with the market in the United States, the drug market in Europe is among the most lucrative in the world, where the Mexican drug cartels are believed to have deals with the mafia groups of Europe. [135] Other sources mention that one news reporter was also killed in the crossfire. [347], Police impersonation [277] The modus operandi ("mode of operation") of the Gulf Cartel changes whenever the United States attempts to strengthen their domestic policy in reinforcing the borders. The high level of legitimate travel and movement of goods and services between border cities in the U.S. and Mexico facilitates the drug business in the area. It's also a crossing point for people traveling to other parts in Mexico. [50] He was to be replaced by scar Malherbe de Len and Ral Valladares del ngel, until their arrest a short time later,[51] causing several cartel lieutenants to fight for the leadership. Critics say that the strategy of capturing drug kingpins often resulted in the increase in extortion, as the cartels look for other sources of money. El reportaje revel presuntos conflictos entre las Fuerzas Armadas. "[256] They also reported that in Aguascalientes, a state where violence levels are much lower, policemen are paid five times more than in Tamaulipas. U.S. Gulf Cartel. [103] However, continual disagreement was leading the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas into an inevitable rupture. [211], On 10 November 2014, a document from the Mexican government was released to the media and claimed that Los Rojos faction of the Gulf Cartel was planning to ally with Los Zetas. [34], Upon his capture outside the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Len, the drug lord was flown to Mexico City where U.S. federal agent took him on a private plane to Houston, Texas. Some experts believed that the death of Antonio Crdenas would be dreadful for the Gulf Cartel, and that Los Zetas would overthrow them and eventually take control of Tamaulipas. [175] El Universal reported that Mexican authorities identified the gunmen that were engaging in confrontations against the troops in Matamoros, Tamaulipas as members of the Los Escorpiones group. [29] Jurors also ordered the seizure of $350million of Garca brego's assets $75million more than what was previously planned. When the hostilities began, the Gulf organization joined forces with its former rivals, the Sinaloa Cartel and La Familia Michoacana, aiming to take out Los Zetas. The consulate in Matamoros has posted at least four security alerts since February 2020, warning of drug cartel violence, crime, kidnappings and clashes involving armed groups. The two agents traveled to Matamoros with an informant to gather intelligence on the operations of the Gulf Cartel. According to El Universal, there are several music videos on YouTube that exalt the power of this armed group through narcocorridos. . In August 2007, La Maa gang, an alleged sub-group of the criminal group Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel, was reported to have controlled the extortion business in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. [13] The members of the Gulf Cartel are known for intimidating the population and for being particularly violent.[14]. [278] Below is the basic structure of the cartel: It's worth noting that there are other operating groups within the drug cartels. Cano Flores, also known as "Yeyo", was a former Mexican police officer and is the highest-ranking Gulf Cartel member to be convicted by a U.S. jury in 15 years. [144] And even after the drug lord was killed, the roadblocks continued throughout the rest of the day. But increased cartel violence over the past 10 to 15 years has frightened away much of that business. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, drug traffickers commonly use private vehicles and commercial trucks to traffic narcotics throughout the state. [93][94] Reports from the PGR and El Universal state that while in prison, Crdenas and Benjamn Arellano Flix, from the Tijuana Cartel, formed an alliance. Monterrey who was arrested in January 2012 for working in a kidnapping ring within the Gulf Cartel. Unbelievable! MATAMOROS, Mexico, March 9 (Reuters) - Suspected drug cartel members on Thursday handed over five purported henchmen as a would-be apology for the abduction of four Americans . [54] His luck ended in November 2000 when he was captured in Tampico, Tamaulipas and imprisoned in La Palma. Gunmen burst into the clinic and shot everyone inside, killing 7 innocent people. [59] Los Zetas, as they are known, served as the hired private mercenary army of the Gulf Cartel. [186] The U.S. National Drug Threat Assessment mentioned that the drug trafficking organizations like the Gulf Cartel tend to be less structured in U.S. than in Mexico, and often rely on street gangs to operate inside the United States. [239] Cabeza de Vaca is accused of not reporting its total wealth and having properties both in Texas, Tamaulipas, and Mexico City. "We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline," the letter reads, adding that those individuals had gone against the cartel's rules, which include "respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.". By Ken Dilanian and Minyvonne Burke. [292] The Gulf Cartel operates in a similar way, and often extorts businesses for protection money in the areas where it operates, pledging to kill those who do not agree to pay the fee. The alert also reminded U.S. citizens that this particular part of Mexico is a "Level 4: Do Not Travel," which is the highest warning in the U.S. State Department's travel advisory system. [322] A retired FBI agent and expert in drug trafficking explained that the Gulf Cartel "relied on bribery" to build its drug empire and consolidate its prominence. [113], It is unclear which of the two the Gulf Cartel or Los Zetas started the conflict that led to their break up. Kidnappings The state of Tamaulipas is the stronghold of the Gulf Cartel, one of the oldest and most powerful of Mexico's criminal groups. [176] The arrests of Marco Antonio Cortez Rodrguez alias Escorpin 37 and of Josu Gonzlez Rodrguez alias Escorpin 43the two who were hospitalized after the shootout of 5 November 2010allowed for the Mexican forces to understand the structure of Los Escorpiones. [178], Unconfirmed information released by The Monitor indicated that two leaders of the Rojos, Meja Gonzlez and Rafael Crdenas Vela, teamed up to kill Flores Borrego. [64] They were enticed with salaries much higher than those of the Mexican Army. -CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegues contributed reporting. [178] Each of these groups were identified by their radio codes: the Rojos (The Red ones) were based in Reynosa; the Metros were headquartered in Matamoros; and the Lobos (The wolves) were established in Laredo. [42], In addition, it was brought up that Garca brego had previously been arrested in Brownsville, Texas for six-year-old auto theft charges, but was released later with no charges whatsoever. [225] PRI's main opposition party, the PAN, claimed that government elections in Tamaulipas are likely to encounter an "organized crime influence. [128] The death of Antonio allowed for Costilla Snchez to become the co-leader of the Gulf Cartel and head of the Metros, one of the two factions within the Gulf Cartel. [138], The confrontations started around 10:00am, and extended to 06:00pm, around the time Crdenas Guiln was killed. Local media often avoid reporting on such incidents out of safety concerns. This renegotiation, however, forced Garcia brego to guarantee the product's arrival from Colombia to its destination. [251] Consequently, the federal government did not hesitate to assign the Mexican Army and the Federal Police to vigilate the prisons until further notice; they were also left in charge of searching for the fugitives. The cartel faction that controls Matamoros is waging a costly war with another segment of the Gulf Cartel in Reynosa. On Tuesday, Mexican and U.S. officials said two of the four U.S. citizens were found dead and two are alive. [321] He is allegedly reported to have been protected by a large private army of gunmen. An intelligence agency mentioned that the Gulf Cartel kidnaps for three reasons: In April 2011 in the border city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, 68 kidnapped victims from different parts of Mexico and Central America were found in a safe house of the Gulf Cartel. [291] This practice of extorting money from people is also seen in the human trafficking business in Mexico; the cartels threaten smugglers to pay a fee for using the corridors, and if they refuse to pay, drug traffickers respond in a deadly form. [180] When the Gulf cartel and Los Zetas split in early 2010, some members of the Rojos stayed with the Gulf cartel, while others decided to leave and join the forces of Los Zetas. [117], Nevertheless, other sources also reveal that Antonio Crdenas Guilln, brother of Osiel and one of the successors of the Gulf Cartel, was addicted to gambling, sex, and drugs, leading Los Zetas to consider his leadership as a threat to the organization. It is situated on the southern bank of the Rio Grande (Ro Bravo del Norte), 28 miles (45 km) from the Gulf of Mexico and across from Brownsville, Texas. [81] Los Zetas began to grow independently from the Gulf Cartel, and eventually a rupture occurred between them in early 2010. [90] After his capture, Crdenas was sent to the federal, high-security prison La Palma. [289], Protection racketeering [348], Transportation Moreover, the Mexican drug traffickers often use small boats to transport drugs through the coastal areas of South Texas, usually operating at night to prevent them from being spotted by law enforcement officials. [70] Between 2001 and 2008, the organization of the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas was collectively known as La Compaa (The Company). [319], Bribery A. [32], Garca brego's arrest was even subject to allegations of corruption. The majority of the commerce between the United States and Mexico passes through the state of Texas. [19] It grew significantly in the 1970s under the leadership of kingpin Juan Garca brego. The consulate in Matamoros has posted at least four security alerts since February 2020, warning of drug cartel violence, crime, kidnappings and clashes involving armed groups. Three members of the Gulf Cartel including one of its leaders were killed during a shootout with the army and state police in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, on Friday night, authorities said. [65] Among the original defectors were Jaime Gonzlez Durn,[66] Jess Enrique Rejn Aguilar,[67] Miguel Trevio Morales,[68] and Heriberto Lazcano,[69] who would later become the supreme leader of the independent cartel of Los Zetas. [178][179] Other sources indicate that the infighting could have been caused by the suspicions that the Rojos were "too soft" on the Gulf cartel's bitter enemy, Los Zetas. [111] In exchange for another life-sentence, Crdenas agreed to collaborate with U.S. agents in intelligence information. Please enter valid email address to continue. Malherbe tried to bribe officials $2million for his release, but it was denied. Americans who survived Matamoros cartel kidnapping break silence on 'nightmare' in Mexico. [240] Also according to Proceso, Baltazar Hinojosa is under investigation by the United States Department of Treasury for laundering money through the Panama Papers target, the law firm Mossack Fonseca. 1:57. [335] The Economist mentioned in 1997 that the drug money from the Gulf Cartel in the Rio Grande Valley was perhaps moving about $20billion, and that around 15% of the retailers' gains were from drug money. Definition of Matamoros in the Definitions.net dictionary. The Gulf cartel apologized Thursday after two U.S. citizens were killed in an armed abduction last week in Mexico. / CBS/AP. For years, a night out in Matamoros was also part of the "two-nation vacation" for spring breakers flocking to Texas' South Padre Island. Reports indicate that gunmen from the Gulf Cartel often impersonate law enforcement officers, using military uniforms to confuse rival drug gangs and move freely through city streets. After his imprisonment a short time later, Jorge Madrazo Cullar created the National Public Security System (SNSP), to fight the drug cartels along the U.S.Mexico border. [109] Crdenas has been isolated from interacting with other prisoners in the supermax prison he is in. [82][83], On 9 November 1999, two U.S. agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI were threatened at gunpoint by Crdenas Guilln and approximately fifteen of his henchmen in Matamoros. [182], Some experts have found it difficult to argue that the Gulf Cartel does not impose a direct threat to the state since they "do not seek political change", and that they only want to be left alone with their business. [164] Banners written by Los Zetas, the Gulf Cartel's former armed wing, appeared all across Mexico, celebrating the death of Crdenas Guilln. The van sits on the side of the road after apparently colliding with a red SUV. 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