Mexican security officials have captured Raul Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, alias “El Lucky,” a founding member of the Zetas who was responsible for running the group’s operations in the states of Veracruz, Puebla and Oaxaca.
Hernandez was arrested by the Mexican Navy while celebrating his birthday at a ranch in Cordoba, Veracruz.
According to Mexico’s Milenio, he is the 15th individual arrested who authorities have labeled a founder of the Zetas, all of whom were formerly in the military. Some 12 more Zetas leaders are still at large, including Heriberto Lazcano, alias “Z-3,” who is the group’s top leader.
Officials had offered a reward of more than $1 million for information leading to Hernandez’s capture, and he is also wanted in the United States on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Prior to his capture he was reportedly responsible for promoting the diversification of the Zetas’ activities, overseeing the drug cartel’s shift into other profitable ventures such as sex trafficking and fuel theft.