Mexico arrests alleged major leader of Jalisco cartel

Mexican authorities have arrested Rafael Alvarez, known as “R2”, an alleged leader of a cell within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The arrest matters because the group is accused of serious crimes including extortion and homicide, and Alvarez is linked to the killing of at least 19 people.

Alvarez was detained in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, in an operation involving Mexican security agencies and intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. He was wounded in a shootout and is receiving medical care; Mexico has warrants against him for aggravated homicide and extradition to the US. Nineteen other people were also arrested. The CJNG has faced arrests of senior figures since founder Nemesio Oseguera died in a military operation in February, while Jalisco continues to record high numbers of disappearances.