10/22/12- In the beginning of October the arrest of Salvador Alfonso Martinez, was one that had long been awaited. Most noticeably known as “La Ardilla” he is one of the top leaders of the Zetas drug cartel, which has dominated the Gulf of Mexico region. Sources claim, the arrest came on Saturday October 6th by Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina, SEMAR) in the bordering city of Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas. “La Ardilla” is known to oversee the criminal activity in several states, specially Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, all border states with Texas. The Secretary of the Navy, Jose Luis Vergara claims that “La Ardilla” was captured in the neighborhood of El Companario as he was being transported after leaving a confrontation between naval personnel and the Zetas. He was one of the most wanted criminals with a $1 million dollar bounty on him. “La Ardilla” is accused of killing hundreds, including Colorado native, David Michael Hartley, while he was jet skiing in Falcon Lake, and the officer investigating Harley’s death. Additionally he has been accused of being involved in the deaths of law enforcement officers, over 200 migrants from Central and South America, another 200 slayings, and is thought to be the initiator of narco graves found with over 200 bodies in Tamaulipas.
The Zetas have suffered major setbacks, as additionally the next day Zetas’ leader Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano, “El Lazca” was shot and killed by SEMAR.
Recently, both Zetas leaders have been a part of a controversial debate. In 2004, Silvia Stephani Sanchez Viezca Ortiz, known as “Fanny” was kidnapped on her way home. Controversy emerged when a photo was published in which “El Lazca” seems to appear with a women that some claim is Fanny. Fanny who since 2004 whereabouts are unkown is thought to be El Lazca’s girlfriend. Recently, Coahuila State Attorney, Homero Ramos, insinuated that not only a photo found in Lazcano’s clothing during autopsy is evidence that Fanny was romantically linked to him, but also that La Ardilla has confirmed such accusations. La Ardilla supposedly kidnapped Fanny, at a young age and personally delivered her to El Lazca. Fanny’s mom, Silvia Ortiz, rejects the that her daughter is the one in the picture, and as several sources claim, she has denied the allegations that Fanny is linked to the Zetas, specifically El Lazca. She claims that La Ardilla has stated he does not know Fanny, has never seen her, and much less has kidnapped her.
This is one of many accusations that have recently made against La Ardilla. As his arrest continues, the allegations are sure to continue.
Langner, Anna. “Quien esta con El Lazca no es Fanny.” El Economista. October 17, 2012.
