U.S. authorities have arrested Francisco Javier Arellano-Felix, leader of one of Mexico's most notorious drug cartels.

Paul McNulty (r) with Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty said Wednesday that the U.S. Coast Guard captured the Mexican drug lord Monday when it intercepted a vessel in the Pacific Ocean.

McNulty said eight adults and three children on board the vessel were detained.  He said all are being transported by the Coast Guard to San Diego, California.

U.S. authorities say the Arellano-Felix family gang ran a large drug smuggling operation in Tijuana, Mexico.  Family members were indicted in the United States in 2003 for racketeering, money laundering and conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and marijuana.

The United States had offered a reward of up to five million dollars for information on Arellano-Felix and others in his group.