Mexican authorities on Thursday extradited two alleged former leaders of the notorious Los Zetas cartel to the United States, according to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in Texas. The two men, who are brothers, were identified as Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, known as “Z-40,” and Óscar Omar Treviño Morales, known as “Z-42.”
Los Zetas, which originated in the border state of Tamaulipas, is regarded as one of Mexico’s most violent drug cartels, linked to numerous massacres, including some involving migrants attempting to cross illegally into the United States. The Webb County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to individuals traveling to Nuevo Laredo or other regions of Tamaulipas, emphasizing that cartel-related violence in the area remains a serious concern.
“Previous incidents have shown that the cartel tends to respond with extreme violence against Mexican government entities, which increases the risk to the citizens of Nuevo Laredo,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted to its official Facebook page. Officials urged visitors and residents alike to exercise caution.
The extradited brothers will face criminal proceedings in the United States, though specific charges and the timeline for court appearances were not immediately disclosed. Juan Manuel Delgado, an attorney for the Treviño family, did not confirm the extradition when contacted by Reuters.
With this development, U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies underscore their ongoing collaboration in dismantling powerful criminal organizations on both sides of the border. Further details regarding the Treviño Morales brothers’ legal proceedings are expected in the coming days.
