Fugitive cartel leader captured in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- The alleged head of Mexico's notorious Gulf drug cartel, a fugitive for nearly nine years, has been re-captured by the Mexican Navy, officials said.

The Navy said Manuel Garcia Alquisiras, known as "El Meme," was arrested Saturday in Tampico, Tamaulipas, CNN Mexico reported Tuesday.

Garcia was arrested in 1998 and held in a Tamaulipas prison for more than four years on charges related to organized crime and money laundering. He was freed by an armed wing of the Gulf Cartel in December 2002, the report said.

Officials allege since his escape "El Meme" has been linked to drug trafficking from Guatemala into Mexico.

The Navy said Garcia will be held in a maximum security facility.