Mexico says it captures drug-lord security chief

By the CNN Wire Staff

December 26, 2011 -- Updated 1602 GMT (0002 HKT)

Forensic personnel in Culiacan, Mexico, work in November next to a truck with bodies killed in drug-related violence.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: Alleged drug kingpin's lieutenant handled his security in Durango, defense ministry says
• NEW: The arrest will hurt Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa cartel, official says
• Guzman is a billionaire who is wanted in Mexico and the United States

(CNN) -- Mexican special forces troops have arrested a lieutenant for alleged drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, according to the Defense Ministry.

Troops arrested Felipe Cabrera Sarabia on Friday in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, CNN.com Mexico reported, citing the Mexican Defense Ministry.

Sarabia, who appeared Monday in the office of a prosecutor who specializes in organized crime, was responsible for Guzman's security in the neighboring state of Durango, the state-run Notimex news agency said.

Defense Ministry spokesman Ricardo Terjvilla Trejo said Sarabia was responsible for activities of Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel in Durango and the southern part of Chihuahua and was involved in kidnappings, extortion and arson.

Sarabia's arrest will have a significant impact on the cartel's leadership and abilities, Trejo predicted.

Guzman, who is under federal indictment in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, is described by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as one of "the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico." In 2004, the U.S. government announced a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

He is accused of running a major drug network that distributes cocaine and heroin.

He is worth about $1 billion, according to Forbes Magazine, which began listing him on its billionaires list in 2009, much to the consternation of Mexican officials who deplored his inclusion alongside wealthy business people who made their fortunes through legitimate businesses. The magazine lists him as No. 55 on its Most Powerful People list and as the only crime lord on its list of Mexico's top billionaires.

Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_americas/~3/oQdoxlCbgeA/index.html

animal house big ten championship game big ten championship game ultimate fighter 14 ultimate fighter 14 2011 bowl projections michigan state