Alleged CJNG tunnel builder El Ingeniero arrested
Proyecto Puente reports that authorities arrested Luis Manuel “N” in Zapopan. The Defense Ministry alleges he built cross-border trafficking tunnels, mainly in Tijuana, and says he faces conspiracy charges in San Diego.
Mexican authorities arrested Luis Manuel “N,” known as “El Ingeniero,” in Zapopan, Jalisco, on suspicion of designing and building drug-trafficking tunnels between Mexico and the United States, according to the Defense Ministry’s account cited by Proyecto Puente.
National Guard, Army and federal Attorney General’s Office personnel took part in the arrest. The ministry alleged that he operated for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, and worked directly under Juan Carlos Valencia González, also known as “03” or “Pelón.”
Proyecto Puente reported that the alleged tunnel-building activity was concentrated in Tijuana, Baja California. The Defense Ministry said the tunnels were intended to move drugs across the border into the United States.
Authorities described the Zapopan arrest as occurring while an offense was being committed. According to the official statement cited in the report, Luis Manuel “N” had weapons, drugs and a vehicle when he was detained. The account did not specify quantities of weapons or drugs.
The ministry also said he faces drug-trafficking conspiracy charges in San Diego, California. After his arrest, he was turned over to federal prosecutors in Guadalajara, where investigators and forensic specialists will carry out the proceedings to determine his legal status.