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Arrest and legal developments of alleged CJNG leader R2

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2026-11-10 16:15 UTC → 2026-11-10 21:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Arrest and legal developments of alleged CJNG leader ~~Rafael Alvarez Ayala~~ R2

Mexican federal forces, including the Navy, Army special forces, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, conducted a major security operation in Zapopan, Jalisco. The operation resulted in the arrest of Rafael Alvarez Ayala, known as “R2”, a suspected leader of the “Los Rs” cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). During the operation, which took place in a restaurant, an armed confrontation occurred, leaving both Alvarez Ayala and a naval officer wounded. Alvarez Ayala sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and limbs and is receiving medical attention in intensive care under heavy guard. Authorities detained 20 other individuals during the operation, including Fernando Omar Farías Chávez, known as “El Fénix,” who is identified as a regional leader in Uruapan. Other detainees reportedly include an Argentine national and a US citizen from California. Some of those detained were reportedly employees of the restaurant who were prevented from leaving during the incident. Intelligence used to locate Alvarez Ayala was provided by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Alvarez Ayala faces an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide in Michoacán and an additional request for extradition to the United States on drug trafficking and firearms charges. He is allegedly linked to the homicide of at least 19 people, including the former mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, who was killed in November 2025. ~~Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch~~ On November 10, a judge in Jalisco granted a provisional suspension against the extradition of Alvarez Ayala, preventing his transfer to foreign authorities until a final judgment is reached. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus stated that once the ~~“Los Rs” cell~~ suspect is ~~allegedly involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and attacks against authorities, specifically targeting entrepreneurs and avocado producers in Jalisco and Michoacán.~~ medically cleared, he will be transferred to Mexico City to remain at the disposal of federal authorities.

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