Federal and state authorities have arrested 14 people they allege have ties to a Mexican drug cartel operating in the Panhandle.
Authorities also say they've seized about $500,000 in cash, cocaine, methamphetamine and firearms in a two-year operation.
A statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Dallas says those arrested Tuesday in Amarillo are charged with conspiracy and drug trafficking in two indictments returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month. One person remains free and is believed in Mexico.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dan Salter said the arrests deal a "serious blow to the Gulf Cartel," historically based in the Mexican border city of Matamoros.
Eleven defendants made initial federal court appearances Tuesday in Amarillo. Two are in state custody and one is in federal custody.
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