Treviño Morales on the other hand was a civilian that managed to work his way up to top positions. In 2010 Los Zetas broke off from the Gulf Cartel and established themselves as the largest dangerous cartel. Treviño Morales became their leader when founder Heriberto Lazcano died in October 2010. It is alleged that the captured leader had ordered hundreds of Central American migrants killed or tortured because they would not become drug mules or for other reasons.

Mexican naval forces and ground troops captured him and two lieutenants at dawn on July 16. He carried $2 million in cash and eight guns. President Enrique Peña Nieto had explained he would focus on local level law enforcement to handle drug cartels as opposed to taking down top leaders.