Cartel Head Trevino "Z-40" Morales Arrested

One of the world's most infamous cartel heads, Trevino "Z-40" Morales, has been captured by Mexican marines near the U.S. border.

Morales was captured outside Nuevo Laredo—his base of operations—early on Monday. The cartel leader was reportedly carrying eight guns and $2 million in cash.

"Z-40", who is famous for his brutality and torture techniques, became the leader of one of the largest and most powerful drug gangs in the world, the Zetas, in October 2012.

The Zetas—who were involved not only in drug dealing, but also kidnapping, human trafficking, and hundreds of ruthless decapitations—became known as Mexico's scariest drug gang under his leadership.

Morales in particular was known for his partially to dumping enemies in 55-gallon drums and burning them alive, according to a U.S. law-enforcement official. He also authored several killings on the U.S. side of the border.

"Z-40" was indicted on weapons and drug trafficking charges in the U.S. in 2009 and 2010, after which the U.S. government issued a $5 million rewards for his arrest.

He has now been charged with orchestrating the shipment of hundreds of pounds of cocaine from Mexico in the U.S. every week, as well as moving dollar bills into Mexico.

His arrest is a victory for Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, who promised to drive down crime.