“El 500,” An Alleged Operator of the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana, Has Been Captured

Luis Adán Torales Castillo, aka “El 500”—identified as an alleged operator for the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana, was arrested early Saturday morning, October 3, in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, during a joint operation by state and federal authorities.

The 32-year-old man, a native of Veracruz, was located in the Villas Costa Rica neighborhood while driving a Chevrolet Onix. According to authorities, officers seized a firearm, several doses of methamphetamine, and two caps bearing insignia linked to a criminal group during the arrest.

“El 500” was located following a citizen tip-off; this information enabled intelligence units from the State Citizen Security Force (FESC) to launch an operation in coordination with the National Guard and the federal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).

Who is “El 500,” and what allegations is he facing?

According to information provided by authorities, Luis Adán “N” has a criminal record linked to investigations involving homicide, criminal conspiracy, and crimes committed against public officials.

He is also identified as an alleged member of a criminal network involved in armed attacks and drug distribution in Tijuana.

A key part of his record stems from an investigation launched in 2023 regarding an attack on a state investigative agent from the Baja California Attorney General’s Office.

In March of that year, the Attorney General’s Office announced that it had identified “El 500” as the leader of the group responsible for the attack and that an arrest warrant had been issued against him for attempted aggravated homicide.

During that investigation, the Attorney General’s Office also noted that the group allegedly led by “El 500” was under investigation for possible involvement in more than 35 homicides recorded in Tijuana. These allegations stem from prosecutorial investigations rather than judicial rulings on each specific case.

During this latest arrest, authorities seized not only a weapon and doses of methamphetamine but also two caps bearing references to the criminal group. Following his capture, Luis Adán “N” was placed at the disposal of the appropriate authorities.

The arrest took place in the coastal region of Baja California—specifically between Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito—where state and federal agencies are conducting operations to identify alleged members of criminal organizations and combat activities such as drug trafficking and armed attacks.

Source: La Razón