MATA GETS 1,000 SOLDIERS AFTER CAPTURE OF LA KENA: US CONSUL IMPOSES CURFEW FOR ITS STAFF FOLLOWING ARREST

 Special to El Rrun-Rrun

The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros has imposed a security alert and curfew of its personnel from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.  following the January 19 capture in Monterrey of José Alberto García Vilano, La Kena, a high-level member of the Gulf Cartel until January 26.

García Vilano, also known as La Kena or Ciclon 19, allegedly leads the violent Los Ciclones cell. His group is accused of kidnapping four US citizens in March last year, killing two of them.

Vilano was reportedly captured in a shopping plaza in the city of Monterrey, after information about his whereabouts was leaked to officials. 

While in custody, news reports citing military sources say that current Matamoros mayor Mario Alberto Lopez Hernandez and his Social Welfare Director (Bienestar Social) Calos Ballesteros would pick up $20 millions of pesos monthly ( (U.S. $1,152,165.99) as payment for allowing the group to continue operations in the city unmolested.

The consulate implemented the curfew for its employees on the day of his capture and warned its staff of retribution for his arrest and capture.