Mexico captures ‘one of last’ Knights Templar cartel leaders

MEXICO CITY – Mexican federal police say they have captured a man they describe as “one of the last leaders” of the Knights Templar cartel.

The man was captured in the Pacific coast state of Nayarit. While federal police did not identify him, a federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said he’s Federico Gonzalez Medina.

The Knights Templar cartel long dominated the western state of Michoacan, practicing extortion, kidnapping, murder, drug trafficking and even intervening in legitimate industries like iron ore mining and lime growing.

In 2013, Michoacan residents rose up in arms to drive the cartel out of their state.

Other top leaders of the gang have been arrested or killed. However, the Knights Templar are believed to maintain a presence in the neighbouring state of Guerrero.