Alleged Los Rs leader “R2” detained in Zapopan
Original reporting: Tribuna de la Bahía
What happened
Authorities said Rafael “N” and a naval service member were wounded during the operation; officials linked him to Los Rs and the Carlos Manzo killing.
Reporting and context
Federal forces detained Rafael “N,” known as “R2,” and 19 other people in Zapopan, Jalisco, on Sunday, November 8, Tribuna de la Bahía reported. Authorities identified him as an alleged leader of Los Rs, a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel operating in Jalisco and Michoacán.
According to Tribuna de la Bahía, the Navy said Rafael “N” and a naval service member were wounded when personnel returned fire after an armed attack during the operation. Both were receiving medical treatment. The severity of their injuries had not been disclosed.
The Navy also alleged that the detainee was connected to the killing of Carlos Manzo, the former mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, on November 1, 2025. Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Rafael “N” had an outstanding warrant for aggravated homicide issued by the First Criminal Court of Apatzingán and another warrant for extradition to the United States.
García Harfuch attributed the suspect’s location to intelligence work by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The operation was led by the Naval Special Operations Unit with the federal Security Ministry and support from Army special forces.
The Security Ministry linked Los Rs to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, unlawful deprivation of liberty, kidnapping and attacks on authorities. It said business owners and avocado growers were among the cell’s alleged extortion victims.
Tribuna de la Bahía reported that authorities had not identified the other 19 detainees or provided further details about their legal status. The Navy said the situation was under control and investigations were continuing.
Original publication: Tribuna de la Bahía.