Nicaragua’s navy chief says Mexican cartel dominates drug trafficking in Central America

Nicaragua: Mexicans trafficking in Central America

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — The head of Nicaragua’s navy says Mexico’s La Familia cartel is moving heavily into Central America and dominates much of the drug trade through the region.

Capt. Roger Gonzalez Diaz says Mexican cartels, “mainly La Familia,” are transporting, storing and distributing drugs from the time they leave Colombia to the time they reach the U.S. market.

Gonzalez Diaz said Monday that Nicaraguan officials would take tough measures to prevent the trade.

Mexican officials have previously noted that the Zetas drug gang has a strong presence in Central America.

But the rival La Familia and Sinaloa cartels are also believed to have a significant presence in the region.

La Familia is based in the western Mexico state of Michoacan.