From Fighting Drug Traffickers to Running a Cartel: El Abuelo’s Criminal Trajectory in Michoacán

Today, charges were filed against Juan José Farías—known as “El Abuelo” (The Grandfather)—the leader of Cárteles Unidos, a group operating in Michoacán. His son and nephew are also named in the indictment. Ángel Hernández outlines the criminal history of this figure. 

“El Abuelo”—Juan José Farías Álvarez—has a target on his back; Washington is seeking him, along with his son and nephew, on charges of drug trafficking and leading a terrorist organization based in Michoacán. 

The former self-defense militia leader is now identified as the head of Cárteles Unidos, a prolific drug-trafficking network that acts as an umbrella organization, integrating the operations of various criminal cells—such as the Tepalcatepec and Los Reyes cartels, and at one time, Los Viagras. 

At the same time, Farías is reportedly engaged in a deadly struggle against rival groups like the Jalisco Cartel. Today, the United States is offering millions of dollars for information leading to his capture. Juan José Farías Álvarez was born in Tepalcatepec; in February 2013, alongside figures like Hipólito Mora and Ángel Gutiérrez, he took up arms to fight and expel the Knights Templar Cartel. 

However, judicial and military intelligence records show that he already had a criminal history by that time. In 1988, he was arrested in Apatzingán for transporting 127 kg of marijuana and over 30 kg of cannabis seeds. In the 1990s, he was linked to the Milenio Cartel, and in 2009, the then-Attorney General’s Office (PGR) and the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) identified him as a key lieutenant for the criminal group in Tepalcatepec. 

Washington has records indicating his involvement in drug trafficking as early as 2003, a history that has led to his indictment in federal court. The same entity that is now accusing and seeking her son Juan José Arías Mendoza—alias “Juanjo,” 31—and her nephew Israel Vegafarías—alias “Papo,” 37—for activities related to methamphetamine production and distribution, conspiracy to traffic drugs, and providing material support to a terrorist organization.

Source: Milenio