Overview
- Audias Flores Silva, known as El Jardinero, was seized near El Mirador in Nayarit, with authorities saying the operation ended without deaths or injuries.
- Hours after the capture, local outlets reported burned vehicles and damaged businesses, raising fears of reprisals that disrupt daily life for residents.
- Overnight, security forces moved Flores Silva to Mexico City’s organized-crime prosecutor’s office under heavy escort as he faces a U.S. extradition request and a 2024 Mexican homicide warrant.
- Federal officials also announced the arrest of César Alejandro N., known as El Güero Conta, described as Flores Silva’s number two and a key figure in the cartel’s finances.
- Flores Silva had been touted as a possible heir to CJNG boss Nemesio Oseguera, who was killed in February, and he drew a $5 million U.S. reward after prior U.S. and Mexican arrests tied to drug trafficking.