Los Zetas (Spanish for "The Z's") is a powerful and violent drug cartel originating in Mexico. The group is considered by the the United States government to be the "most technologically advanced, sophisticated, and dangerous cartel operating in Mexico". The origins of Los Zetas date back to the late 1990s when a group of Mexican Army commandos deserted their ranks and decided to work as the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel, a major drug trafficking organization. In February 2010, Los Zetas broke away from their former employer and formed their own criminal cartel.