Mexican authorities say they have captured one of the leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for whom the U.S. was offering millions in rewards.
Audias Flores-Silva was taken into custody Monday following an operation near Nayarit. "In a planned, developed, and executed operation by the Secretariat of the Navy, through its Special Forces, Audias Flores Silva, alias 'El Jardinero,' was detained in Nayarit," Mexico Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch wrote on social media. "He has an arrest warrant in Mexico and is also sought by United States."
Video released by Harfuch showed a man, identified as Flores-Silva, being pulled out of a hiding spot in a ditch by Mexican armed forces.
Flores-Silva is alleged to be one of the leaders of CJNG, described by U.S. justice officials as a violent transnational criminal organization. The Trump administration has classified CJNG as a terrorist organization and offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his capture.
Flores-Silva was charged in a federal indictment in August 2020 with drug trafficking. He also faced various weapons charges.
The gang is considered by the Justice Department to be the most violent drug trafficking operation in Mexico and responsible for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other drugs.
In classifying the group as a terrorist organization, the Justice Department said last year that its activities include "extortion, migrant smuggling, oil and mineral theft, as well as weapons trade...CJNG has conducted intimidating acts of violence, including attacks on Mexican military and police with military grade weaponry, the use of drones to drop explosives on Mexican law enforcement, and assassinations or attempted assassinations of Mexican officials."
CBS News reported that Flores-Silva was considered as a possible successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or 'El Mencho.' Cervantes was killed in February as part of a Mexican military operation, marking one of the most high-profile operations in years. Before Cervantes' killing, the U.S. had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.
His death sparked violence throughout the country, with cartel operatives creating roadblocks by torching vehicles and engaging in battles with Mexican authorities. According to CBS News, 70 people, including 25 Mexican National Guard members, died in the ensuing violence throughout February.
