Don Zefe, Alleged Founding Leader of Los Zetas in Nuevo León, Killed

An armed confrontation that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23, in the municipality of Santiago, Nuevo León, resulted in the deaths of two suspected criminals, including Zeferino Peña, alias ‘Don Zefe’, identified as the alleged founding leader of the Los Zetas criminal group. A ministerial agent was injured but is reported to be out of danger, state authorities confirmed.

The Attorney General’s Office of Nuevo León reported that the incident occurred during a ministerial operation carried out at a ranch in the municipality, where the agents were attacked with firearms.  In response to the aggression, the security forces repelled the attack, which led to an exchange of gunfire.

As a result of the confrontation, two men died at the scene, while a ministerial agent was wounded and taken to a hospital for medical attention. His condition was reported as stable, according to the official report.

‘Don Zefe’ identified as one of those killed

Hours after the operation, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed the identity of one of the deceased as Zeferino Peña, known by the alias ‘Don Zefe’, an alleged member of a criminal group originating in the state of Tamaulipas and considered a founder of Los

Zetas, a criminal cell dedicated to illicit activities.

According to preliminary investigations, “Don Zefe” was allegedly involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics in Nuevo León, in addition to reportedly seeking to establish an armed criminal structure in the state, which made him a priority target for the authorities.

The second man killed was identified as David Calderón, who, according to official reports, had a military background, information that is part of the ongoing investigations by the authorities.

Arrests and seizures after the confrontation

During the operation in Santiago, a man and a woman were arrested and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where their legal status and possible connection to the criminal group will be determined.

At the scene of the confrontation, authorities seized various firearms and doses of narcotics, which were secured as part of the investigation initiated by the State Attorney General’s Office.

The area has been cordoned off and remains under surveillance, while investigations continue to clarify the facts, establish responsibility, and determine if there is a connection to other high-impact crimes recorded in the region.

Sources: Jesús Rubén Peña, Debate