Former Matamoros leader of Gulf Cartel arraigned on various charges

The former alleged leader of the Matamoros cell of the Gulf Cartel remains in federal custody in Mexico following his arraignment on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of restricted weapons.

Abel Alfredo Flores Treviño, aka Victor Manuel de la O Treviño, aka El Tigre, aka El Junior, was arraigned  before a Mexican federal judge Wednesday on the charges, according to a press release issued by Mexico’s Office of the Attorney General (PGR).

Flores Treviño is being held at a Mexican Federal Detention Center in Almoloya de Juarez in the State of Mexico, the agency said.

Mexican Army soldiers arrested Flores Treviño on Sept. 4, after he was spotted driving a pick up near a military checkpoint, the release stated.

At the time of his arrest, Flores Treviño was found to be carrying a number of firearms that are restricted for military use, the PGR said.

After the arrest, a group of armed individuals attempted to rescue Flores Treviño by engaging the Mexican Army in a gun battle. They even fired an armor-piercing rocket at the troops, the release said.

Flores Trevino has remained in federal custody since his Sept. 4 arrest, authorities reported.