Mexican police: Latin Grammy winner caught performing at drug cartel’s Christmas party

Police: Grammy winner sang at drug cartel’s party

MEXICO CITY — Mexican federal officials say that Latin Grammy winner Ramon Ayala was rounded up during a raid at a drug cartel’s Christmas party where he was performing.

A federal Attorney General’s Office spokesman says Ayala was released after being questioned. The spokesman says he is not authorized to be quoted by name.

The official says Ayala was performing Friday south of Mexico City in the town of Tepoztlan when Navy troops raided the house and a shootout ensued. Three gunmen were killed and 11 others were detained.

Ayala is an accordionist and norteno singer who lives in Hidalgo, Texas. He has won two Latin Grammys. His representatives declined to comment.

The federal spokesman confirmed on Monday that Ayala sang at the party.