MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -- A suspected leader of Mexico's powerful Gulf
                 drug cartel turned himself in to U.S. authorities Thursday, local television
                 news reported.

                 Juan Manuel Garza, who is wanted by the FBI on drug and conspiracy charges,
                 crossed the bridge into McAllen, Texas from Reynosa, Mexico, and presented
                 himself to federal authorities, Televisa reported.

                 "He knew they were looking for him and they were surely putting a lot of
                 pressure on him in Mexico and that's likely why he presented himself here, FBI
                 spokeswoman Rosalie Savage told Televisa.

                 The Gulf cartel, a major cocaine gang, operates out of Mexico's northern state
                 of Tamaulipas and is headed by Ociel Cardenas, one of the most wanted
                 suspects in Mexico and the United States, according to authorities.

                 Garza, 49, is suspected by the FBI of being a high-level member of the cartel
                 and faces conspiracy, drug and other charges.

                 Mexican authorities in recent weeks have arrested 21 alleged cartel members,
                 including kingpin Gilberto Garcia "El June" in April.

                    Copyright 2001 Reuters.