An interesting look into the world of the Los Zetas and how they conduct business down south. Thanks to Doug for sending me this one. –Matt
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Hitmen’s bloody reign all about logic, trafficker says
By Karl Penhaul
April 15, 2009
Editor’s note: Journalist Karl Penhaul spent several weeks tracking the gangs of the Mexican underworld, the corrupt officials who support them and the cops trying to halt the violence. This is the first of three exclusive reports.
CAMARGO, Mexico (CNN) — There are no welcome signs on the approach to Camargo.
It’s a hardscrabble Mexican border town and home turf for “Los Zetas,” a gang of hitmen and corrupt former special forces cops on the bankroll of the Gulf Cartel.
Local journalists explained if we went there we’d be getting “tangled up in the hooves of the horse.” They said Zeta gunmen recently smashed one reporter’s fingers with a hammer as a warning to the media to stay away.
The plaza was deserted — for a few minutes at least. Then the throb of engines broke the Sunday morning peace. Scores of pickup trucks with heavily tinted windows began circling. Occasionally a window would crack open. We were clearly being watched.