From Elite to Downfall: The Story of ‘Los Cobra,’ the CJNG Cell in Colima

Authorities in Mexico have dismantled the “Cobra” cell, one of the most aggressive groups linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Colima. Its complete downfall was confirmed on April 18. This group was implicated in several homicides, including that of a state police officer named Edwin and the owners of the “El Pichón” bakery. 

According to Security Secretary Fabián Ricardo Gómez Calcáneo, they operated through “High-Impact Troops” (TAI)—cells consisting of six hitmen identified by nicknames and numbers, such as “TAI 27.” They utilized safe houses in rural areas where they would hide after committing crimes, a practice known as “cooling off.” 

This is a very common practice among such groups, as they engage in what is variously termed “locking down,” “cooling off,” or “holing up” in safe houses to facilitate their eventual escape or departure. This strategy is based on the understanding that immediately following a violent incident, security agencies will be placed on high alert and will be actively searching for them. 

In many instances, they were apprehended in unsanitary conditions, often still wearing the same clothing worn during the crime to avoid arousing suspicion. They operated primarily at night, utilizing firearms and motorcycles, and maintained agile mobility and communication capabilities amidst a backdrop of ongoing criminal turf wars. 

All of the group’s members were outsiders—meaning none were native to Colima—which complicated efforts to identify them. During their capture, authorities seized evidence suggesting they may be linked to drug-related offenses; however, their involvement in extortion rackets was ruled out. 

Regarding the strategy to combat crime, the Secretary noted: “To the extent that we gain control of the port—it will represent a major breakthrough, because we’re working hand-in-hand not only with the federal government on security matters but also on port-related issues. 

This is crucial for curbing the flow of illicit supplies and undermining the criminals’ financial capacity. When we diminish their financial resources, we simultaneously reduce their ability to recruit. Following their apprehension, it was also confirmed that many of the individuals involved were young men from Jalisco who operated across various states. 

They might operate in Michoacán one day, in Colima the next, and in Jalisco the day after that. They’re outsiders, yet they evolve into regional criminals. Authorities identified this criminal cell following the assassination of police officer Edwin on January 2nd—a crime carried out by assailants on motorcycles. 

Subsequent investigative work linked the group to the murder of the owners of the ‘El Pichón’ bakery—which took place on April 14th in the Fátima neighborhood. They’re also suspected of involvement in the 2024 murder of José Alfredo Chávez González, a multiple homicide committed in September 2025, and the triple murder of the Ramos Guzmán brothers in the Alvarrada neighborhood. 

Video footage enabled authorities to identify the assailants, leading to the arrests of Manolis ‘N’ (aged 49) and Jorge Alberto ‘N’ (aged 53). In a subsequent operation, personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy neutralized three suspects: Eric ‘N’, Adal Israel ‘N’, and José Antonio ‘N’ (aged 51)—the latter being the alleged direct perpetrator of the bakery owners’ murders. 

The Secretariat of Security’s ‘Ron’ Group also participated in this operation. Finally, various items were seized; these are currently being analyzed to establish potential links to other criminal offenses.”

Source: Milenio