Guatemala police detain alleged Zeta leader

A man arrested in the killing of 27 cattle ranch workers is an alleged leader of the Zetas drug cartel in Guatemala and a former soldier, President Alvaro Colom said Wednesday.

Hugo Alvaro Gomez Vasquez, who is suspected of taking part in the weekend massacre in the northern province of Peten, is a former member of the kaibiles, Guatemalan soldiers trained in counterinsurgency methods, Colom said.

"The evidence indicates that he is a one of the high leaders of the Zetas," Guatemala's president told reporters. The Zetas are a brutal, Mexico-based drug cartel that has spread into northern Guatemala.

Gomez Vasquez was taken by helicopter to the capital under heavy security.

He denied the charges in a brief statement to the media, saying "they are accusing me of many things ... but I'm a farmer. I'm from Peten."

Guatemalan authorities said 25 of the 27 victims in the weekend attack had been decapitated. Three survivors are helping authorities in their search for the culprits.

Proverbs 28:12-  When righteous [men] do rejoice, [there is] great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Proverbs 29:16-  When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Isaiah 3:11-  Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Jer 5:26-  For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Mal 3:5-  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Rev 21:8-  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.