‘El Carnal’, Regional Leader of the CJNG, Former Tabasco Police Chief, and Associate of Hernán Bermúdez, Has Been Arrested

Leonardo Arturo is linked to extortion of business owners, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and homicides.

Federal and state authorities arrested Leonardo Arturo Leyva Ávalos, alias El Carnal and regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in Chiapas.

Who is ‘El Carnal’?

In February 2021, the 55-year-old was appointed director general of the Tabasco State Police. He is also identified as one of the main collaborators of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, former head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) of that state.

The criminal group to which El Carnal belongs is linked to extortion of merchants, kidnapping, and drug distribution and sale.

In addition, it is known that the group uses high-calibre weapons and its members are known for carrying out acts of extreme violence such as burning vehicles and murder.

How was the former official arrested?

According to a press release, after developing lines of investigation to apprehend those responsible for generating violence, security agents obtained information about the former official’s movements.

During security patrols in the Bienestar Social neighborhood of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, officers identified and stopped Leonardo Arturo.

Following this, the detainee was informed of his legal rights and, along with the seized items, was turned over to the appropriate Public Prosecutor, who will determine his legal status.

The arrest involved members of the National Defense Secretariat (Defensa), the Navy Secretariat (Semar), the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and the National Guard, in coordination with the Security Secretariats and Prosecutor’s Offices of Tabasco and Chiapas.

Sources: Milenio, Cartel Insider