One of the “most ruthless” drug lords in Mexico, American-born Edgar Valdez Villarreal, was captured Monday, according to federal officials. Villarreal, whose “doll-like looks” earned him the nickname “La Barbie,” was found somewhere close to Mexico City as the result of an intelligence operation that has been in effect since June 2009. The arrest comes at an optimal time for Mexican president Felipe Calderon, who has been working extra hard as of late to convince the public that the government is “winning” the drug war. [NYT]
