18 police officials were arrested yesterday in Mexico for having links with the Zetas drug cartel. The officials were receiving up to 700 dollars a month from the cartel and were arrested in the state of Veracruz.
After a tip off from a local restaurant, the navy also arrested nine fugitives who escaped from jail. The police claimed that the prisoners had been released in order to join the Zetas.
The state has witnessed an increase in violence, including kidnappings and killings attributed to the Zetas. Two weeks ago, 35 corpses were found in a hotel and the incident has been linked to the cartel.
In addition, five decomposing heads were discovered last week by a primary school in Acapulco supposedly connected to the group.
The government are trying to install a plan to establish security and to give out the clear message that they will not tolerate organised crime.
The Mexican government is increasingly using the army and navy to bring to light corruption in the police force.
