DEA intelligence aids capture as Mexico arrests alleged major Jalisco cartel leader after shootout
Arrest and operation
Authorities said the operation captured Alvarez and 19 other people. Mexico’s National Intelligence Center took part, and intelligence from the US Drug Enforcement Administration was shared. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said Alvarez was wounded in a shootout during the arrest and is receiving medical care. He described the cell as linked to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, unlawful detention and attacks on authorities.
Alleged links to killings
Authorities link Alvarez to the deaths of at least 19 people. One case is the killing last year of Carlos Manzo, Uruapan’s mayor, who was known for fighting crime.
Cartel and wider context
Since CJNG founder Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera died in a military operation in February, several senior cartel leaders have been apprehended. The article does not specify the year of that operation.
Key points
- Rafael Alvarez, known as “R2,” was arrested in an operation that captured 19 others.
- Alvarez was wounded in a shootout and is receiving medical care.
- Authorities link him to at least 19 killings, including the murder of Carlos Manzo.
- Mexico has an estimated 134,000 missing people, with Jalisco reporting the highest number of disappearances.