Mexico City , Mexico ( CNN ) -- Mexican authorities have had significant successes against drug traffickers , President Felipe Calderon said in his fourth annual state-of-the-nation speech Thursday , noting that three major kingpins have been captured or killed in the past year . In addition , Calderon said , authorities have arrested 125 cartel cell leaders or lieutenants and captured 5,108 hit men since he took office in December 2006 . The war on organized crime he heightened after taking office also has led to the confiscation of $ 10 billion worth of drugs and the seizure of 34,000 motor vehicles , nearly 500 aircraft , 365 boats and 80,000 firearms , of which 50,000 were assault rifles , Calderon said . Calderon 's remarks came just days after the federal police captured Edgar `` La Barbie '' Valdez Villarreal , one of the country 's most wanted drug traffickers . The arrest was viewed as a solid victory for Calderon 's operation against the cartels . However , violence in some parts of the country , particularly near the border , continue unabated . Other victories for Calderon this year included the killing of another drug kingpin , Arturo Beltran Leyva in December , and the subsequent arrest of his brother , Carlos Beltran Leyva . In January , authorities arrested Teodoro `` El Teo '' Garcia Simental , another top trafficker . Garcia Simental was a top lieutenant of the Tijuana cartel until he defected to the rival Sinaloa cartel after a power struggle . Another top leader of the Sinaloa cartel , Ignacio `` Nacho '' Coronel , was killed in a raid in July . According to the Mexican government , more than 28,000 people have died in drug-related violence since Calderon intensified the government 's fight against drug cartels and organized crime after taking office in December 2006 .
President Felipe González reads out his record in state - of - the - nation speech . Three drug lords were captured or killed this year , the president says . Authorities also have arrested three cartel - members or associates , he says .