Mexican authorities have arrested an alleged leader of the Los Rs faction of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in an operation aided by intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The suspect, identified as Rafael "N", alias "R2", was captured in Zapopan, Jalisco state, on November 8. The operation was carried out by Mexico's Navy special operations unit in coordination with the security ministry.
The arrest of Rafael "N" is a significant blow to the CJNG, a powerful and violent cartel operating in Mexico. According to Mexican authorities, "R2" is linked to the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot and killed during a public Day of the Dead celebration on November 1, 2025. Manzo was a former mayor of Uruapan in the avocado-producing state of Michoacan.
The operation that led to Rafael "N"'s arrest was carried out following intelligence work by Mexico's National Intelligence Center and information shared by the DEA. Mexican authorities detained 19 other people in addition to "R2". The suspect has an outstanding arrest warrant in Mexico for aggravated homicide and an arrest warrant for extradition to the US.
Security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said that "R2" is a key leader of Los Rs, a CJNG cell operating in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan. The cell is mainly linked to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, illegal deprivation of liberty, kidnapping, and attacks against authorities. Harfuch added that among its victims of extortion are business owners and avocado producers.
During the operation, naval personnel came under armed attack and returned fire, resulting in the detainee and one naval officer being wounded. They are currently receiving medical attention. The DEA said in a social media post that "R2" was wanted in the US on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
The arrest of Rafael "N" is a significant achievement for Mexican authorities in their efforts to combat organized crime. The CJNG is one of the most powerful and violent cartels operating in Mexico, and the loss of a key leader is expected to disrupt its operations. The Mexican government has been working to strengthen its security forces and improve cooperation with international partners to combat organized crime.
The case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime. The DEA's intelligence sharing played a crucial role in the arrest of "R2". The US and Mexico have been working together to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, and this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of this cooperation.
Key points
- Rafael "N", alias "R2", was captured in an operation aided by DEA intelligence.
- The suspect is linked to the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo and 19 other people.
- The CJNG cell, Los Rs, is mainly linked to extortion, drug trafficking, and homicide.
