# Crackdown on Los Reyes Cartel in Michoacán > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-reyes-cartel-leadership-crackdown-in-michoacn > Updated: 2026-09-06T01:16:33.000Z. Sources: 72. Developments: 3. Mexican federal and state security forces have intensified operations in Michoacán to dismantle the Los Reyes Cartel, a member of the Cárteles Unidos alliance. These efforts follow the death of high-ranking leader Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, known as ‘El Wicho’, ‘R5’, or ‘El Güicho’, during an armed confrontation at a ranch in the El Rodeo del Pinal area near Tocumbo on August 30. Barragán Chávez, who carried a 3 million dollar U.S. reward for his role in drug and weapons trafficking, was a primary coordinator of extortion networks targeting avocado and lemon producers. 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. The clash also resulted in the death of 15-year-old Alberto ‘Chuchito Nini’ Sandoval. Authorities identified Sandoval as a cartel member who allegedly commanded a team of hitmen and used social media to recruit other minors into the Los Reyes Cartel. He also reportedly served as a personal bodyguard for his uncle, Barragán Chávez. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the death of the minor, noting that youths involved in crime may still be considered victims if they were previously reported as missing. In a continued push against criminal activities, coordinated efforts between the state government, the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and the State Attorney General's Office resulted in the detention of six priority targets linked to criminal groups in Uruapan, Apatzingán, and the western region during August and early September. Governor Bedolla emphasized that federal and state coordination remains essential to dismantling the cartel, which maintains influence across Los Reyes, Peribán, Cotija, Tocumbo, and Tingüindín. ## Claims - Security forces are conducting operations in Los Reyes, Tingüindín, Tocumbo, and Peribán to dismantle the Los Reyes Cartel. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla attributed the reduction in crime rates to coordinated efforts between state and federal governments. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Six priority targets related to extortion were detained during August and early September. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The detainees are linked to criminal groups operating in Uruapan, Apatzingán, and the western region of Michoacán. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Luis Enrique 'N' (alias 'El Güicho' or 'R5'), identified as a leader of the Los Reyes Cartel, was killed in Tocumbo on August 30. (corroborated by 2 sources) - President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that minors involved in crimes may be considered victims if they were previously reported as missing. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Mexican security forces kill cartel leader and teenage assassin A 15-year-old cartel assassin and his uncle, a major drug lord, were killed by Mexican security forces during an operation in Michoacán. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-security-forces-kill-cartel-leader-and-teenage-assassin ### 2026-09-02: Mexican forces kill cartel leader in Michoacán Mexican federal forces killed Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias ‘El R5’, in Michoacán. Authorities are continuing operations to dismantle the Cártel de Los Reyes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-forces-kill-cartel-leader-in-michoacn ### 2026-08-31: Los Reyes Cartel leader Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez killed in Michoacán Mexican federal forces killed Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias ‘R5’, a leader of the Los Reyes Cartel, during a confrontation in Michoacán. He was a high-value target wanted by the U.S. for extortion and nar 69 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-reyes-cartel-leader-el-wicho-reportedly-killed-in-michoacn-operation --- Cite as: Crackdown on Los Reyes Cartel in Michoacán. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-reyes-cartel-leadership-crackdown-in-michoacn