Mexico arrests 32 people in operations against extortion, drug trafficking and gas theft, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico City): Mexican authorities detained 32 people, including two municipal police officers and alleged leaders of criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking and extortion, during 38 operations in Mexico City and the neighboring State of Mexico, federal sources reported Thursday.
Among those detained is Luis Humberto Nava Flores, known as “El Gigan,” identified as the leader of the “Empresa Los Gigan” organization, allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s leading drug trafficking groups. According to the sources, the organization operated in the eastern areas of both entities and was allegedly involved in extortion, drug sales, arms trafficking, property seizures and homicides.
In 21 operations against this structure, 16 people were detained, including two members of the Municipal Police of Nezahualcóyotl. In a separate operation in Ecatepec, authorities arrested four alleged members of “Los Manzanos,” including its alleged leader, Miguel Juárez Pérez, known as “Miky Juárez,” who was accused of directing extortion and drug trafficking activities under the guise of a union or strike-breaking group.
Security forces also carried out fifteen raids in the municipalities of Chimalhuacán and Ecatepec against an alleged network dedicated to the illegal extraction, storage and sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas). Twelve people were detained in these actions, including Luis Gabriel Guzmán Manzano, known as “El Pollo,” who was identified as responsible for coordinating the illicit operations.
Overall, authorities reported the seizure of 178,780 liters of hydrocarbons, 52 vehicles, 22 tanker trucks, 111 cell phones, 20 firearms, ammunition and drugs. The detainees have been placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry, which will determine their legal status.
The operations were carried out under the federal strategy against extortion, one of the crimes affecting merchants and businesses in Mexico, and against the illegal fuel trade known as huachicol.
