Authorities arrest alleged Tepalcatepec Cartel regional leader
Original reporting: El Financiero
What happened
Mexican authorities and Interpol Mexico arrested Edgar Valeriano N, known as “El Kamoni,” in Michoacán during an operation tied to a U.S. extradition request and a $3 million reward.
Reporting and context
Mexican authorities and Interpol Mexico arrested Edgar Valeriano N, known as “El Kamoni,” in Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, on Sept. 23 during a coordinated operation, according to Mexico’s Defense Secretariat (Sedena). The agency identifies him as a regional leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel, which it says operates in Tepalcatepec and Buenavista.
According to Sedena, Valeriano had a provisional arrest warrant tied to possible extradition to the United States on drug-trafficking charges. The U.S. government had offered a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to his location and capture. Authorities said the operation involved National Guard special forces, the Mexican Army and Interpol Mexico, supported by international information-sharing and military intelligence.
Sedena alleges that Valeriano participated in producing and distributing synthetic drugs and extorting citrus-industry business owners in Michoacán. The agency also describes him as a close associate of Juan José N, known as “El Abuelo,” whom it identifies as a leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel. Authorities said they seized weapons and ammunition during the arrest and transferred the detainee and the seized items to Mexico City aboard a Mexican Air Force helicopter.
El Financiero reported that Valeriano and the seized items were later placed at the disposal of Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office, which will continue the investigation and determine his legal status. The allegations remain claims by authorities; prosecutors and courts must establish any legal responsibility. In August 2025, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against five alleged members of Cárteles Unidos and rewards of up to $10 million for “El Abuelo” and $3 million for “El Kamoni.”
Source: El Financiero. Image source: El Financiero.