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In a decisive operation, Mexican special forces have captured Audias Flores, known as “El Jardinero,” a prominent figure within the influential Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The arrest took place in the western state of Nayarit, as reported by Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch on Monday.
Flores, who held a commanding role over extensive areas of CJNG-controlled territory along Mexico’s Pacific coast, had been viewed as a potential heir to Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho.” Oseguera, who previously led the cartel, was killed during a security operation in February.
The operation unfolded when security forces surrounded a cabin in El Mirador, approximately 12 miles north of the tourist hotspot Puerto Vallarta. Flores was protected by a perimeter consisting of around 30 pickup trucks and over 60 armed men, according to a press release from Mexico’s Navy, which spearheaded the mission.
In an attempt to evade capture, Flores’ guards dispersed to create a diversion, but he was eventually discovered hiding in a drainage ditch, the statement noted.
“The operation was executed with precision, and notably, no shots were fired,” stated the Navy in their official communication.
Videos shared by Garcia Harfuch on social media showed aerial footage of the arrest as helicopters hovered overhead during the operation, which the Navy said followed 19 months of surveillance and involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters and several planes.
The Navy also used intelligence provided by US authorities in the successful capture, including aerial surveillance, according to a Mexican security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
It was not immediately clear if Flores would face charges in Mexico, but Garcia Harfuch said he was wanted for extradition by US authorities, who have offered a $5 million reward for his arrest.
Later in the day, Mexican authorities announced they had arrested Cesar Alejandro N., nicknamed “El Güero Conta,” who Mexican authorities say was a key money launderer for Flores.
‘BIGGER’ THAN EL MENCHO
Carlos Olivo, a former US Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge and a CJNG expert, said Flores was a “significant figure” and that his arrest “will have a bigger effect on CJNG operations than El Mencho being taken out.”
Flores was key to operations within the Jalisco cartel, controlling networks of drug laboratories, smuggling routes, and distribution networks within the United States, according to the Mexican security official.
Mexico has significantly stepped up its security efforts, under enormous pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to use unilateral military action in Mexico if he feels that the Mexican government is not doing enough to fight the cartels.
Last year, the Trump administration also tied tariff threats to what it considered insufficient measures to halt fentanyl trafficking and curb migration. The US, Mexico and Canada are in the process of reviewing their shared free trade pact.
Monday’s arrest of “a key leader of the violent CJNG represents a significant step forward in the fight against those who profit from fentanyl and fuel violence in our communities,” US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said on social media.
The US Treasury Department identified Flores as a “significant foreign narcotics trafficker” in 2021, when a US grand jury had charged him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, among other crimes.
The arrest marks the latest blow to Mexican drug cartels after El Mencho’s killing – a personal mission for Garcia Harfuch, who blamed El Mencho for a 2020 assassination attempt that left two of his bodyguards dead.
Flores was among several top regional leaders who security analysts believed could be well placed to take over control of the cartel.
Mexico’s security situation is facing tight scrutiny as the country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup this summer alongside the US and Canada.