87 kidnapping and fuel-theft suspects arrested in Puebla

Prosecutors in the central state of Puebla said Friday that they had arrested 87 suspects linked to a kidnapping and fuel-theft gang.

The state prosecutors' office said members of the gang were responsible for killing three state detectives who were investigating kidnappings by the gang, known as "The Bucanans."

The agents' slaying earlier this week led to a huge operation in which police detained suspected gang members and police officers and a mayor who allegedly collaborated with the gang. Authorities seized 16 rifles, hand grenades and 4,600 rounds of ammunition.

The gang, whose nickname apparently refers to a liquor brand, allegedly controlled most illegal activity in the area around the town of Atzizintla near Puebla's border with Veracruz state.