Cartel Watch: Knights Templar diversify into natural resources, human organs
The Knights Templar drug cartel in western Mexico has diversified to the point that trafficking meth and weed doesn't even rank among its top sources of income.
The cartel counts illegal mining, logging and extortion as its biggest moneymakers, said Alfredo Castillo, who was sent to restore the rule of law in Michoacan.
Iron ore "is their principle source of income," Castillo told The Associated Press.
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/03/16/5654669/mexico-drug-cartel-makes-more.html#storylink=cpy
But one of the "knights" is suspected of branching into another revenue stream.
Police believe Manuel Plancarte Gaspar would target people with certain characteristics, especially children, for kidnapping and harvesting organs.
Read more here: http://blogs.star-telegram.com/crime_time/2014/03/cartel-watch-narcos-diversify-into-natural-resources-baby-organs.html#storylink=cpy