Former Juchitán police commissioner arrested over alleged CJNG protection

Reporting and context

Oaxaca prosecutors arrested John Keny Moreno, a former commissioner of the municipal police in Juchitán de Zaragoza, during the second phase of a joint operation in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Fiscalía General del Estado de Oaxaca (FGEO) said Moreno is being investigated for an alleged crime against state investigation and security, linked to protection he allegedly provided to “Los Cromos,” a criminal cell that the agency identifies as an operational arm of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

According to the FGEO, Moreno allegedly used his position to protect members of Los Cromos, although prosecutors have not publicly detailed the specific actions attributed to him. The arrest warrant was carried out by the Fiscalía’s Strategic Action Force Unit with intelligence support from state and federal authorities, including the Navy, the National Guard, the Defense Ministry, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, and Oaxaca’s state police. After his arrest, Moreno was transferred under a special security operation and placed at the disposal of the competent authority, which will determine his legal status.

Publimetro México reported that the arrest brings to three the number of people detained during the operation’s first two stages. On Sept. 23, authorities arrested Juchitán Mayor M.S.A., known as “Quetu,” and C.A.P.L., known as “La Parka”; the Oaxaca prosecutor’s office says both are being investigated over alleged efforts to conceal or facilitate Los Cromos’ activities. The FGEO said the operation will continue as investigators examine possible protection networks involving public officials and criminal structures in the region.