Justice in Mexico

Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias La Barbie, captured

Foto: NOTIMEX

08/31/10 – The Federal Police (Policía Federal –PF) captured and presented Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias La Barbie, this Monday in the Estado de México (Mexico State). He had been hiding out in a safe house in Salazar. The following individuals were also captured and presented with Valdez: 40-years-old Maricela Reyes Lozada, 20-year-old Juan Antonio López Reyes, 18-year-old Maritzel López Reyes, and 25-year-old Mauricio López Reyes, as well as 26-year-old Arturo Iván Arroyo, and Jorge Valentín Landa Coronado of 28-years-old.

Federal Police authorities also reported the seizure of a M16 rifle with two magazines, a 9mm HK-MP5 also with two magazines, and a grenade launcher. They also seized nine packets of cocaine, computing and communication equipment, as well as three cars. His detention was realized without a single shot being fired.

“La Barbie,” a U.S citizen, is considered to be one of the most violent and sought after drug traffickers in México and the United States. Both the U.S. Justice Department and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (La Procuraduría General de la República –PGR) offered a $2 million reward for information leading to his capture.  Mexican authorities believe Villarreal mobilized near a tone of cocaine a month.

According to statements already made by Valdez, he was ordered to kill high-ranking PF officers in retaliation of raids made to their safe houses by the PF, under the command of the now defunct leader of the Beltrán-Leyva Cartel, Arturo Beltrán-Leyva. Since his death last December, Valdez has been in a violent dispute with Héctor Beltrán Leyva over control of the Beltrán-Leyva Cartel.

Sources:
Agencia EFE. “‘La Barbie’ traficaba una tonelada de coca al mes y fue criminal desde los 19 años.” Agencia EFE.  31 Agosto, 2010.
Milenio.com, and Notimex. “Presenta la PF a La Barbie.” Milenio. 31 Agosto, 2010.
José Juan Reyes. “Policía Federal presenta a ‘La Barbie’” El Economista. 31 Agosto, 2010.

1 thought on “Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias La Barbie, captured”

  1. Pingback: “La Barbie” on Hunger Strike « Justice in Mexico

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