Mexican Marines Free 8 Captives in Tamaulipas

Mexican Marines free 8 kidnapped captives, arrest 18 drug traffickers and seize more than seven and a half tons of marijuana, high-powered weapons and vehicles in Tamaulipas











In a first operation, Marine personnel on a surveillance patrol early Monday, in the vicinity of Ciudad Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas, arrested three people associated with the Gulf cartel in possession 700 kilos of marijuana.

Four vehicles were seized in the operation, one of which contained the marijuana. In another of the vehicles packed with weapons, marines seized one RPG launcher and several high explosive anti-tank rockets, eight assault rifles, three handguns, six fragmentation grenades, 113 magazines, more than 2,500 rounds of various calibers as well as communications equipment and supplies.

Persons insured in this action were identified as Jorge Armando Garcia Chavez 39 years old, Moses Chávez Valerio 19 and Marisol Rivas Ramirez 23.











Also, in a second operation carried out at noon Monday in the vicinity of Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, naval personnel on an aerial patrol aboard a Navy helicopter spotted a convoy of 5 trucks with several armed individuals on board.

After being observed by the armed individuals on the ground the naval helicopter came under attack.

Marine ground units were able to successfully intercept the convoy which surrendered without any casualties being reported.

As a result of this action the marines secured the release of eight people who were being held captive after being abducted by the criminal gang.

Marines also arrested 15 gang members and seized seven tons of marijuana, 10 assault weapons, 84 magazines, 1,863 rounds of ammunition, communications equipment as well as the 5 vehicles.

The captives were not identified but it is hoped that they include the 5 Pemex workers abducted from the Cuenca De Burgos natural gas project on May 23 of this year in Tamaulipas.