Mexico (AFP) – Mexican authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of a regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's two main criminal groups.

First modification: 11/09/2026 - 17:27

The CJNG was designated a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States government in 2025 and is known for its violent tactics and attacks against authorities.

It competes with the Sinaloa Cartel for the transfer of drugs to US territory, but since the death of its founder, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in a military operation in February, several of its leaders have been apprehended.

The new detainee is Rafael Álvarez, alias "R2", who headed a cell related to homicides, drug trafficking and extortion against avocado businessmen.

The drug trafficking gang operates in the states of Jalisco and Michoacán, its most important strongholds. Michoacán is also the main producer of avocado.

Álvarez is also linked to the murder a year ago of Carlos Manzo, a popular mayor famous for his way of confronting organized crime.

The boss was injured in the shootout that broke out after the operation to capture him and is receiving medical attention, Mexico's Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, reported in X.

The drug dealer was located thanks to information shared by the US anti-drug agency, DEA, the official added.

Another 19 people were detained along with "R2," he explained.

At the beginning of October, Mexico arrested Iván Cazarín, alias "El Tanque", leader of the CJNG who operated in the south of the country.

While in July Ramón Álvarez, alias "R1", predecessor of the drug trafficker arrested this Sunday, was captured.

Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the United States is putting pressure on Mexico to increase arrests and apply measures to stop drug trafficking.

© 2026 AFP

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