R2 arrested in Zapopan operation with 19 others
Original reporting: ZETA Tijuana
What happened
Federal authorities say Rafael Álvarez Ayala was wounded during the operation and is wanted in Mexico and the United States.
Reporting and context
Rafael Álvarez Ayala, known as “R2,” was arrested and wounded during an operation in Zapopan, Jalisco, that also led to 19 other arrests, according to ZETA Tijuana, citing federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. Authorities identify him as the alleged leader of Los Rs, a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
García Harfuch said on November 8 that Navy and federal Security Ministry personnel, supported by Army special forces, carried out the operation. A confrontation occurred, and Álvarez Ayala was receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
ZETA Tijuana reported that 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 DEA separately confirmed that it had supplied information and said Álvarez Ayala is wanted in the United States on drug and firearms trafficking charges.
The security secretary said Álvarez Ayala has an outstanding warrant from the First Criminal Court in Apatzingán, Michoacán, over alleged aggravated homicide, as well as a warrant for extradition to the United States.
According to García Harfuch, Los Rs operates in Jalisco and Michoacán and is linked to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, unlawful confinement, kidnapping and attacks on authorities. He identified business owners and avocado producers among its extortion victims.
Original publication: ZETA Tijuana.