Mexico Captures Alleged CJNG Commander R2 in Zapopan

Mexican federal forces captured Rafael Álvarez Ayala, known as “R2,” in Zapopan, Jalisco, on November 8, 2026, according to Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. Authorities identify him as an alleged commander of “Los Rs,” a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) operating in Jalisco and Michoacán.

Harfuch said 19 other people were detained, bringing the total to 20. The operation was led by the Navy’s Special Operations Unit, known as UNOPES, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, with support from Mexican Army special forces. He credited intelligence work by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The security secretary accused Los Rs of extorting business owners and avocado growers, along with drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping and attacks on authorities. Those allegations formed part of the government’s account of the group.

Navy reports injuries and alleged Manzo link

In its separate announcement, the Navy said its personnel came under gunfire during the intervention and returned fire. It reported that R2 and one member of the Navy were wounded and receiving medical treatment. The Navy said the situation was under control.

The Navy also alleged that R2 was connected to the killing of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo. Its preliminary statement did not explain the evidence behind that alleged connection. Diario de México reproduced the Navy’s statement in full.

Homicide warrant and U.S. charges

Harfuch said R2 had an active arrest warrant for aggravated homicide issued by the First Criminal Court in Apatzingán, Michoacán, as well as a warrant for arrest for extradition to the United States. He did not identify the victim in the homicide warrant or name the U.S. case underlying the extradition request.

Separately, the U.S. Justice Department announced on August 26, 2026 that a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., had indicted Rafael Álvarez Ayala and his brother Ramón Álvarez Ayala, known as “R1.” U.S. prosecutors described the brothers as alleged regional CJNG commanders in Michoacán.

That case charges the brothers with conspiring to manufacture and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for importation into the United States, and with firearm offenses involving a machine gun. Prosecutors allege that the drug conspiracy ran from 2004 through December 2023. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent.

The Mexican authorities described the information about the November 8 operation as preliminary. An arrest warrant for extradition does not establish that an extradition has taken place.