Mexican authorities arrest alleged CJNG cell leader “R2” with 19 others, Digi Mart USA News (Guadalajara, Mexico): Rafael “N,” alias “R2,” identified by federal authorities as the leader of “Los Rs,” a cell of the Cártel Nueva Generación (CNG) with operations in Jalisco and Michoacán, was detained this Sunday in Guadalajara along with 19 other people allegedly linked to the criminal group.
Public Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch announced the operation through his social media accounts. The operation was carried out jointly by the Secretariat of the Navy, personnel from the Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection, and Special Forces of the Mexican Army.
During the arrest, a confrontation took place between security forces and members of the criminal cell. Rafael Álvarez Ayala was wounded by a gunshot to the chest and leg and received medical attention.
Rafael “N” is identified as a significant generator of violence and a commander of “Los Rs,” a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and a possible successor to his brother Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, alias “R1,” a regional leader who was also arrested. He also has an arrest warrant with a view to extradition to the United States for various crimes.
According to authorities, “Los Rs” have a presence and operations in Apatzingán, Uruapan and Morelia in Michoacán, as well as in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, Mazamitla, Valle de Juárez and Teocuitatlán in Jalisco. The cell was mainly engaged in extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, unlawful deprivation of liberty and kidnapping, as well as attacks against authorities.
Among its extortion victims were business owners and avocado producers.
The “R2” is also accused of participating in incursions in both states, coordinating criminal activities with his brother, and sending drugs to the United States. Since 2012 he has been identified as an alleged lieutenant and leader of CJNG cells, and in 2018 national authorities found that he used the alias Rafael González Sánchez.
Following the arrest, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed the assistance it provided in the capture and congratulated Mexican authorities on the blow against organized crime.
Through its social media accounts, the agency confirmed its support to the Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection, led by Omar García Harfuch, in the detention of “R2,” which occurred Sunday.
DEA Administrator Terry Cole also praised the work of García Harfuch, saying he remains a firm international intelligence partner. “Strengthening our collective efforts to identify, target and dismantle the criminal organizations that threaten our communities and national security,” he said on social media.
Sara Carter, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), also welcomed her government’s collaboration with Mexico in securing the arrest of “R2.”
