A judge has ordered the arrest of a former Mexican border state governor for allegedly fomenting drug trafficking.

Mexico's Attorney General Marisela Morales says she has requested help from Interpol in arresting Tomas Yarrington.

She said Wednesday the whereabouts of the former governor of Tamaulipas state are unknown.

Morales says Yarrington has been charged with "fomenting drug trafficking."

She says the charges are based on informant testimony and on intelligence shared between Mexico and the United States.

Tamaulipas, which borders Texas, is the home base for the Gulf and Zetas drug cartels.

U.S. authorities allege that Yarrington "acquired millions of dollars in payments" while in public office from drug cartels "and from various extortion or bribery schemes."