The week at a glance ... Americas

Americas

Mexico City

Gangster seeks stardom: A self-confessed American drug lord was arrested in Mexico last week and promptly began bragging to police about his exploits. Videotapes of Texas native Edgar Valdez, 37, a former high school football star, have been appearing on Mexican television all week. In taped confessions, Valdez—nicknamed “La Barbie” because of his fair skin—appears eager to explain in great detail how he smuggled cocaine and boxes of cash between Colombia and the U.S. He said he has hired a film producer to make a movie of his life story.

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