Mexican forces kill cartel leader in Michoacán

Mexican authorities have confirmed the death of Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, known by aliases ‘El Wicho’, ‘El R5’, or ‘Güicho el de Los Reyes’, following a confrontation with the Mexican Army in Michoacán. Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla stated that Barragán Chávez was considered a potential successor to Alfonso, alias ‘La Quiringa’, who is currently detained and facing extradition to the United States.

Security forces, including the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the National Guard, and the Michoacán Civil Guard, have deployed to several municipalities, including Los Reyes, Peribán, Cotija, Tocumbo, and Tingüindín. The operation aims to dismantle the ‘Cártel de Los Reyes,’ an organization primarily involved in extortion and drug trafficking.

Governor Bedolla noted that some members of the group had previously posed as self-defense members but were actually involved in criminal activities. The security operation is expected to continue to locate other members of the organization and reduce their operational capacity in the western region of the state.