Guatemala arrests drug investigator for allegedly passing information to Mexico’s Zetas gang

Guatemala says drug investigator tipped off cartel

GUATEMALA CITY — The chief of the anti-drug office in Guatemala’s Peten region has been arrested for allegedly passing information to Mexico’s Zetas drug gang.

Prosecutors charge officer Noe Vasquez sent text messages to an imprisoned Zetas leader to warn the gang about police raids and searches in the prison.

The Zetas are a violent gang founded by deserters from the Mexican army whose drug trade extends into Central America.

A judge ordered Vasquez held on charges of obstruction of justice Tuesday. Vasquez and two other police agents were arrested Monday.

In March, Guatemalan authorities arrested the country’s national police chief for allegedly stealing drugs and cooperating with the Zetas.