Mexican cops find $150m cash
2007-03-16 20:51
Mexico City - Mexican police seized at least $150m in cash believed to be the proceeds of drug smugglers found inside a mansion in a luxurious residential area in the capital, reported local media on Friday.
Authorities arrested seven people, including a Chinese couple, who were inside the house where they also found drugs, weapons and vehicles, said El Universal newspaper.
Bundles of hundreds of dollars were stacked in drawers, suitcases and closets around the house, according to reports.
Reforma newspaper said the search warrant was part of a drug trafficking and money laundering investigation started by federal authorities in 2006.
Unidentified sources told the paper that those arrested were linked to Colombian drug lords.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched an aggressive nationwide campaign to fight the cartels that channel South American drugs into the United States shortly after taking office in December.
The military was recently granted hefty salary increases to reward it for leading the fight against violent drug gangs.