El Uber and CJNG Operators Arrested in Jalisco and Nayarit During Federal Operations

José Gabriel Soto Martínez, alias El Uber, alleged leader of the CJNG, was arrested in Zapopan.

José Gabriel Soto Martínez, 26, alias “El Uber,” the alleged leader of a criminal cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), identified as one of the main instigators of violence in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco.

In this operation, Mauricio Cruz Arzola and Carlos Alberto Quezada were also arrested, linked to drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, homicide, and arms trafficking in that region of Jalisco.

The Security Cabinet of the Mexican Government reported that the arrests were made by elements of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the National Guard during a raid on a residence in Zapopan.

Military personnel raided a residence linked to the leader of the criminal cell in the Las Cañadas neighborhood of that municipality, in compliance with a warrant issued by a Control Judge.

Both El Uber, Soto Martínez, and his accomplices Cruz Arzola and Quezada, were arrested in possession of a long gun, two handguns, three magazines, ammunition, 500 doses of methamphetamine, five vehicles, a property, and 10 cell phones.

Arrest of “El Cárdenas” confirmed

In another operation, in Tepic, Nayarit, Luis Ignacio Cárdenas de Luna, 46, alias “Cárdenas,” was arrested. According to intelligence investigations, he is the alleged regional operator in Nayarit and Jalisco for the CJNG.

Investigations indicate that Cárdenas coordinated the trafficking of drugs by air and sea, using aircraft and small vessels, through a network of airstrips and ports, to Central America.

He also maintained communication with financial agents to conduct transactions with illicit funds for the CJNG.

Upon his arrest, Cárdenas de Luna was in possession of a long gun, a magazine; doses of cocaine and methamphetamine; 20 cartridges, a vehicle, three cell phones, and an electronic tablet. The Security Cabinet indicated that the detainees were read their legal rights before being placed at the disposal of the Federal Public Prosecutor’s office, which will determine their legal status.

Source: Excelsior