“R2” wounded and arrested with 19 others in Jalisco

Reporting and context

Federal forces arrested Rafael “N,” alias “R2,” and 19 other people in an operation in Jalisco during which the suspected cartel commander was wounded, according to El Informador, citing federal security secretary Omar García Harfuch.

Authorities identify Rafael as a commander of “Los Rs,” a Jalisco New Generation Cartel cell operating in Jalisco and Michoacán. García Harfuch said the Navy's special operations unit and federal security personnel led the operation, supported by Army special forces. He attributed Rafael's location to National Intelligence Center work and information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

El Informador reported that Rafael has an outstanding aggravated-homicide arrest warrant from the First Criminal Court in Apatzingán, Michoacán, as well as a warrant for arrest for extradition to the United States. García Harfuch said Rafael was receiving medical care after an armed confrontation during the operation.

The article describes the arrest as occurring in Guadalajara, while García Harfuch's statement reproduced in the report places the operation in Zapopan. The article also notes reports of gunfire near México and Terranova avenues and helicopters over that area.

García Harfuch linked Los Rs to extortion, drug trafficking, homicides, unlawful confinement, kidnapping and attacks on authorities. He identified business owners and avocado growers among the cell's alleged extortion victims.

For context, the outlet cites the October 16 arrest of Luis Manuel “N,” alias “El Ingeniero.” Federal authorities accused him of designing and building cross-border drug tunnels, mainly from Tijuana, and the report says he faces drug-trafficking conspiracy charges in San Diego.

Original publication: El Informador.