Mexican fugitive charged in US

Prosecutors in New York have charged a former Mexican state governor with drugs trafficking, accusing him of conspiring to smuggle 200 tonnes of cocaine into the United States.

Mario Villanueva - one of Mexico's most wanted fugitives - was arrested on Thursday in the Caribbean resort of Cancun, after two years on the run.

Mexican officials say he could be extradited if the Amercian authorities make a formal request.

Police say Mr Villanueva, who's the former governor of the state of Quintana Roo, used his power to protect some of Mexico's biggest drug cartels - allegations he denies.

Correspondents say his arrest is a major victory for the Mexican president, Vicente Fox, who has vowed to fight corruption and increase co-operation with Washington in the fight against drugs traffickers.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service