Mexican navy says Zetas cartel founder Heriberto Lazcano apparently killed in confrontation

FILE - This undated file photo, downloaded from the Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office most wanted criminals webpage on Nov. 2, 2010, shows alleged Zeta drug cartel leader and founder Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano in an undisclosed location. The Mexican navy says on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, Lazcano has apparently been killed in a firefight with marines in the Mexican northern Top Zetas drug cartel leader Heriberto Lazcano has apparently been killed in a firefight with marines in the northern border state of Coahuila, the Mexican navy said Monday. The navy said there was strong evidence the body of one of two men killed in the shootout was Lazcano, known as “El Lazca.” But it added that more forensics tests would have to be carried out to confirm the identification.Information was obtained after the first forensics tests were carried out that yielded indications that suggest that one of the bodies is Heriberto Lazcano,” the navy’s statement said. “The Navy Department is coordinating efforts with Coahuila state, and will be awaiting the conclusions of the forensics examination in the case,” the statement said. The death of Lazcano would be a major victory for Mexican law enforcement. The Zetas cartel that he helped found with other deserters from an elite army unit went on to carry out some of Mexico’s bloodiest massacres, biggest jail breaks and fiercest attacks on authorities.