MEXICO CITY, November 9 (Aalimi Nation) – Mexican authorities have arrested a man they describe as a key leader of a violent cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in an operation that drew on intelligence shared by the United States. The Navy said the suspect, identified only as Rafael "N" and known by the alias "R2", was captured on Sunday in Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area in Jalisco state.
The Navy said its special operations unit carried out the arrest in coordination with the security ministry, following intelligence work by Mexico's National Intelligence Center. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said the information was also based on details provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Mexican authorities customarily withhold the surnames of suspects and identify them by a first name followed by the letter "N".
Nineteen other people were detained in the same operation, officials said. The Navy said its personnel came under gunfire and returned fire. The suspect and one naval officer were wounded, and both are receiving medical care. García Harfuch described the details as preliminary and said they would be updated as the investigation advances.
García Harfuch described the suspect as a key leader of "Los Rs", a cell of the cartel that operates in Jalisco and Michoacán. He said the man faces an outstanding Mexican arrest warrant for aggravated homicide, along with a separate warrant for extradition to the United States.
According to the minister, the cell is mainly linked to extortion, drug trafficking and homicide. He said its extortion victims include business owners and avocado producers. The Navy linked the suspect to the killing of Carlos Manzo, the Uruapan mayor who was shot dead on November 1, 2025, during a public Day of the Dead celebration while he was with his family. The Navy said the suspect is also tied to 19 other homicides. These are allegations by the authorities; the man has not been convicted of any offence.
The DEA said in a social media post that "R2" is wanted in the United States on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of Mexico's most powerful criminal groups and is a major supplier of illegal drugs bound for the United States. Cooperation between Mexican security forces and US agencies is a central part of the two countries' security relationship.
The suspect faces both a Mexican warrant and a US extradition request, and officials have not said which case will proceed first. Authorities have not announced charges against the 19 others detained, and their identities have not been made public. García Harfuch said the account of the operation would be updated as investigators learn more. Officials also linked the cell to kidnapping and attacks on the authorities, and said the investigation into its network is continuing.
