Mexico arrests purported Zetas member for allegedly fueling violence in northern border state

MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities have arrested an alleged member of the Zetas drug gang who they say is one of 12 cartel members fueling an increase of violence in the border state of Tamaulipas.

Federal police chief Monte Alejandro Rubido said Tuesday that soldiers and federal police arrested Juan Fernando Alvarez Cortez at a toll booth in the town of Sabinas Hidalgo in Nuevo Leon state, which neighbors Tamaulipas.

Rubido says Alvarez Cortez was riding a passenger bus trying to avoid detection by authorities when he was detained Saturday.

He says Alvarez Cortez is the Zetas leader in Ciudad Victoria. That is the capital of Tamaulipas state, where violence has increased recently.