Heriberto Lazcano, alias ‘Z3’

In October 2012, Heriberto Lazcano, also known as “Z3” or “El Lazca,” was fatally shot during a confrontation with the Mexican navy. Prior to heading the drug smuggling activities of Los Zetas, he held a high-ranking position in the Mexican special forces.

Historia

In 1991, Lazcano joined the Mexican military forces and later joined the Special Forces Corps (previously known as the Special Forces Airborne Group – GAFE).

The important security organization eventually transformed itself. The Gulf Cartel recruited the Zetas to be part of it and the army did not abandon them by the end of the nineties.

He was already managing several “plazas,” or drug trafficking corridors, in the year that Los Zetas separated from the Gulf Cartel, by 2010. Moreover, a group that is inherently violent, was known for being one of the most aggressive and ruthless members of Los Zetas.

The government of that country, the United States, offered a reward of US$5 million for information leading to his capture, and Z3 was convicted in the district of Columbia.

In the state of San Luis de Potosí, The Taliban was captured in September 2012. Meanwhile, the faction still loyal to him was being led by Iván Velásquez Caballero, also known as “El Talibán”, while Z3 was outside of Mexico at that time. By July 2012, it was reported that Z3 was outside of Mexico at that time, while the second faction, led by Miguel Treviño Morales, also known as “Z40”, was led by Z3. Following the division of Los Zetas into two rival factions, by July 2012 – one led by Z3 and the second led by Miguel Treviño Morales, also known as “Z40”.

In the city of Progreso in the state of Coahuila, Z3 was discharged by the Mexican security forces on October 7, 2012.

Criminal activities

Keeping a low profile, Lazcano was little known, as he rejected the grand displays of power and wealth that are so common among other Mexican drug lords.

“The Executioner’s Men” is about Lazcano and Los Zetas, as written by Sam Logan, founder of Southern Pulse. According to a significant portion of the finances of Los Zetas, Lazcano was in control. However, this is not the case.

The drugs were being transported through their territory, with the imposition of “floor” or taxes, as well as involvement in drug trafficking, oil theft, extortion, and kidnappings. The low-ranking members who had little knowledge about the major operations organized themselves into a cellular structure under the leadership of Lazcano in the Zetas.

Known for his cruelty and brutality, Lazcano was also referred to as “The Executor”.

Geografía

The operations of Lazcano were centered in the northeast of Mexico. Having operations in at least 10 Mexican states, the command of Lazcano’s operations under the Zetas would go from Central America and Guatemala to the United States and Mexico, through the border.

Allies and Enemies

Beyond having a dispute with Z40, Lazcano and Los Zetas maintained a rivalry with the Sinaloa Cartel.

In some reports from September 2008, it was suggested that Lazcano had a collaboration agreement with the Beltrán Leyva brothers and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, from the Juárez Cartel.

Prospectos

In 2010, the power of Los Zetas has been declining since its peak. However, the death of Lazcano did not have the same operational impact as it would have had in previous years. After spending long periods abroad, Lazcano’s power as the leader of Los Zetas would have diminished in the months leading up to his death. According to some reports, his death, therefore, did not have the same operational impact.