Uvalde, Texas Gun Store was Once Linked to Cartel Ammo Smuggling Bust in 2009

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

Oasis Outback, the store in Uvalde, TX where the recent AR-15 rifle purchases by the school shooter were handled once sold over 10,000 rounds of ammo to a cartel arms smuggler. Currently, the gun section of the store is closed.

The Texas gun store where teen school shooter Salvador Ramos got an AR-15 style rifle before the school massacre was previously part of an ammunition smuggling case involving a Mexican drug cartel, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In 2009, a businessman from Uvalde’s neighboring town of Eagle Pass was accused of trying to smuggle more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition into Mexico, ICE said.

Fred Farhat, 48, the owner of Farhat's Boots and Jeans was sentenced in 2011 to five years in federal prison for conspiring to smuggle more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition into Mexico. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Farhat pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 3. According to court records, on March 31, 2009, Farhat conspired with 34-year-old Noemi Carreon-Gonzalez of Eagle Pass and her husband, Ivan Ramos-Gonzalez, to purchase the ammunition from Oasis Outback L.L.C. in Uvalde, Texas, and ultimately smuggle the ammunition into Mexico.

During three separate transactions within a three-hour period, Farhat paid almost $6,000 cash for more than 10,000 rounds of .223 and 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition. Farhat transported the ammunition to his business and repackaged the ammunition. He and Ivan Ramos-Gonzalez then loaded the ammunition into Ramos-Gonzalez's vehicle. 

While at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry Bridge #1, he attempted to enter Piedras Negras, Mexico, when Ramos-Gonzalez and Carreon-Gonzalez hit a northbound vehicle making them flee on foot into Mexico. Mexican authorities responding to the scene of the accident recovered all of the ammunition and gun magazines and pistol clips from the defendants' vehicle.

In addition to Farhat's prison term, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ordered Farhat to pay a $1,000 fine and $4,431.10 restitution to the victims of the vehicle accident on the Bridge. On Oct. 8, 2010, Carreon-Gonzalez was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to the same charge. Ramos-Gonzalez, who remains a fugitive, is charged with one count of conspiracy and a substantive count of smuggling ammunition from the United States.

Oasis Outback did not break the law with the sale, since there is nothing requiring the store to track or report the purchase of bullets in the state of Texas.

Texas law does not impose a minimum age for the purchase or possession of ammunition, nor does it require the seller of ammunition to make a record of the purchaser nor requires a license for the purchase or possession of ammunition. Federal licensees have to report the sale of two or more handguns if they happen within five days of each other, but sellers in Texas along with New Mexico, Arizona, and California also have to report the sale of certain rifles, including AR-platform rifles, if they are bought within five days of each other. Texas doesn’t have any limits on multiple purchases. The ATF said its database is often searched for patterns and red flags.

Texas prohibits the transfer of ammunition to some, but not all, of the people who are prohibited from purchasing firearms under state law. More specifically, Texas prohibits any person from intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly selling ammunition to any person who is intoxicated, and from knowingly selling ammunition to any person who has been convicted of a felony before the fifth anniversary of the later of 1) the person’s release from confinement following conviction of the felony; or 2) the person’s release from supervision under community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision following conviction of the felony.

Sources ICE, New York Post, Giffords Law Center

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Small-Scale Possession Of Illicit Drugs Will Be Decriminalized In B.C. Starting Next Year: Federal Government

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Adults will be able to possess small amounts of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA

Protestors advocate for drug decriminalization in Vancouver in February 2018. Personal possession of small amounts of some drugs will be decriminalized in B.C. starting early next year.

Adults in British Columbia will be allowed to possess small amounts of some illicit drugs starting next year, the federal government announced Tuesday — a move that marks a dramatic shift in Canada's drug policy.

The federal government has granted British Columbia’s request to decriminalize possession of small amounts of some illicit drugs for adults in the province.

Protestors advocate for drug decriminalization in Vancouver in February 2018. Personal possession of small amounts of some drugs will be decriminalized in B.C. starting early next year.

Adults in British Columbia will be allowed to possess small amounts of some illicit drugs starting next year, the federal government announced Tuesday — a move that marks a dramatic shift in Canada's drug policy.

The federal government says Canadians 18 years of age and older will be able to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA within British Columbia. The announcement is in response to a request from the province for an exemption from the law criminalizing drug possession.

This first-of-its-kind exemption will go into effect January 31, 2023 and last until January 31, 2026, unless it is revoked or replaced before then. The exemption means there will be no arrests, charges or seizures for personal possession at or below the 2.5 gram threshold.

Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett and her provincial counterpart Sheila Malcolmson announced the policy shift together in Vancouver today.

The city has been the site of a surge in drug overdose deaths which accelerated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. B.C. saw 2,224 suspected toxic illicit drug overdose deaths in 2021 and over 9,400 since 2016.

B.C. determined to battle opioid crisis after record overdose deaths in 2021

After more than 2,200 died of illicit-drug overdoses in 2021, British Columbia remains determined to fight back against the opioid crisis even in the face of stronger street drugs and long waits for treatment.

"For far too long, this wave of loss has been a reality in British Columbia and across the country," Bennett said Tuesday.

"Today, we take the first steps in the much needed bold action and significant policy change."

Bennett said that decriminalization doesn't equal legalization.

Still, the exemption is a dramatic policy shift in favour of what decriminalization advocates say is an approach that treats addiction as a health issue, rather than a criminal one. One of the goals of decriminalization is to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse.

The exemption is a "major step in changing how we view addiction and drug use in British Columbia," said Malcolmson.

"The fear of being criminalized has led many people to hide their addiction and use drugs alone. And using drugs alone can mean dying alone, particularly in this climate of tragically increased illicit drug toxicity."

B.C., Vancouver and Toronto Public Health have all separately filed exemption requests to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs.

Under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, the health minister has the authority to grant exemptions if it is "necessary for a medical or scientific purpose or is otherwise in the public interest." The federal government confirmed that the applications from Vancouver and Toronto Public Health are both still under review.

Evidence bags containing fentanyl are displayed during a news conference at Surrey RCMP Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Sept. 3, 2020.

The principle of decriminalizing possession of a small amount of illicit drugs has been endorsed by the Canadian Association of the Chiefs of Police. The B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police also has supported the idea, though it recommended decriminalizing possession of just 1 cumulative gram.

While the federal government has granted an exemption, it's not giving B.C. exactly what it asked for.

One major difference is the quantity of drugs being decriminalized for personal possession. B.C. asked for a cumulative 4.5 grams — the federal exemption allows for just 2.5 grams.

Health Canada said it consulted numerous information sources to set its possession threshold to strike a balance between health and safety. It also acknowledged a lack of evidence to determine what an effective threshold would be. The department said that once the exemption is in place, it will be thoroughly examined by a third party and its details could change as evidence is gathered and analyzed.

Delaying implementation until January 2023 was meant to give governments and agencies time for training, consultation and outreach, and to otherwise prepare for the shift in policy, federal and provincial officials said.

Bennett also announced an additional $11.78 million in support for substance abuse and additions programs in British Columbia.

Activities like production, trafficking still illegal

The exemption carries certain other limitations. It does not apply on the premises of elementary or secondary schools, in child care facilities or airports. It does not apply to Canadians subject to the military's disciplinary code.

The B.C. Ministry of Health said that they view decriminalization as only one part of a set of policies meant to address the opioid overdose crisis.

Health Canada said that the exemption does not decriminalize activities like trafficking, producing, importing or exporting controlled substances.

The exemption comes just a day before a vote is expected on a decriminalization bill put forward by NDP MP Gord Johns.

Speaking before question period Tuesday, Johns said the exemption is "good news" but the overdose crisis remains a national issue. He also accused the government of delaying its decision and dragging its feet, costing lives.

"The families of thousands of Canadians are burying loved ones right across Canada right now ... We need a national approach to respond," he said.

Asked about the NDP bill, Bennett said she would not be voting for it because it does not have sufficient "guardrails" and would have an impact on Canada's international obligations. She thanked Johns for his work in raising awareness about the issue.

"It has been an important bill but 'starting by starting' when it comes to British Columbia is a prudent way to go," she said.

cbc

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Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas: The Northeast Cartel Leaves A Narco Message

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Authorities discovered a manta or narco message this morning left behind by the Cartel del Noreste. The tarp was located at the baseball park of Colonia Mexico. This particular neighborhood is located in the city’s northwestern region. 

For many criminal groups within the Mexican Republic mantas are the favored medium of communication against rivals. The opposing force that this message was specifically directed at are the Cartel del Golfo. 

Narco message reads as follows: 

Keep sending more of these piece of shit Golfos towards us. Come on out and face the bull you fucking cowards. Stop involving yourselves with the Chapitos from San Pedro. Otherwise we will go out there for everyone of you guys. Sincerely, CDN

Loba Indomable

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Sinaloa Cartel's El Bob Esponja Killed in Cajeme, Sonora

"HEARST" for Borderland Beat

The former Sinaloa Cartel plaza boss of Escuinapa, Armando Russell García, alias “El Bob Esponja” was shot to death in the city of Obregón, in the state of Sonora.

The Shooting

At approximately 7:30 pm on the night of May 25, 2022, an SUV chased a white 2013 Volkswagen Vento sedan through the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood of the city of Obregón, in the municipality of Cajeme.

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San Luis Potosí: Armed Attacks In Recent Days Leaves 14 Dead

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Shootings in SLP in recent days leave 14 dead

At least fourteen executed was the result of different shootouts recorded on Saturday, Sunday and yesterday, Monday at different points in San Luis Potosí.

The violent events occurred in the entity a week after the State Civil Guard began operations, among the victims there are minors and women.

The first shooting was recorded on Saturday morning on Almodóvar del Río street in the Torremolinos 1 neighborhood, in the Potosi capital, in which a 37-year-old man was killed.

Also in the capital, in the Wenceslao Victoria neighborhood, a man was shot from a moving motorcycle on Valle del Rocío street.

In Tamazunchale in the Huasteca Sur Potosina, in the alley of Barrio de San Juan, another 28-year-old man was executed about 20 meters from Boulevard 20 de Noviembre, he was originally from the State of Mexico. That same Saturday, an armed criminal cell shot at a house in the municipality of Cerritos and a child was seriously injured.

On Sunday they located a man executed in the lower part of the Valladares Bridge, in the El Montecillo neighborhood, in the State capital; the victim was tied hand and foot, inside a bag.

On the afternoon of the same day, armed men aboard a vehicle attacked a motorcycle workshop with gunfire, leaving one man dead and another seriously wounded by a bullet, in Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, a municipality adjacent to the capital, on Calle Destino, Ventura subdivision.

On Sunday night, a man was shot to death on Los Padilla street, in the Nuevo Testament neighborhood, also in Soledad, the same place where, after a motorcycle chase, a subject was killed in an orchard in the Genovevo Rivas neighborhood. Gullen.

As if that were not enough, they left two bagged bodies of two men tied hand and foot on Highway 57 in the San Luis Potosí-Matehuala section, near El Huizache.

To end on Sunday, in Tamazunchale a beer store located on Xicoténcatl street was attacked with gunfire, the owner was seriously injured and later died in a hospital.

The violent day continued yesterday, Monday, during the first hours a man was reported riddled with bullets at the intersection of Francisco Villa and Morelos streets, in the Municipal Delegation of La Pila, in the rural area of ​​the State capital of Potosí.

Later, in Tamazunchale, an armed group killed a young man in a tire repair shop on November 20 Boulevard, near the Carmen neighborhood; Moments later, this time in the San Rafael community a couple was executed inside a mechanical workshop, apparently they are the parents of the victim in Barrio del Carmen.

At night, an armed criminal cell entered a house located on Curie Avenue, near the corner of Mariot, in the Progreso neighborhood to the east of the Potosi capital; At the scene, four family members were seriously injured, including a minor, who were taken to a hospital where health problems are reported.

debate

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Zacatecas: Armed Criminal Cell Executes Three People, Two Were Minors

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

The owner of a food business and two minors were gunned down inside a place located in the central area of the municipality of Guadalupe, armed subjects entered and opened fire against those present at the place.

According to witness reports, the events occurred around 1:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 on 5 de Mayo Avenue, where uniformed personnel of the Preventive State Police (PEP) went to cordon off the perimeter and allow paramedics to enter.

Emergency response personnel who came to the place confirmed that the three subjects lacked vital signs, the presence of elements of the Attorney General's Office of Zacatecas (FGE) was requested, who lifted the bodies and later transferred them to the Forensic Medical Service of the entity (Semefo).

The victims were identified as Jesús, 32, Jonathan and Elías, both 16 years old, whom their relatives recognized after having gone to the vicinity of the Prosecutor's Office in Guadeloupe.

During this weekend, 14 people were killed in the state of Zacatecas, including a state policeman, who was gunned down while he was on his day off.

The officer was traveling aboard his car in the company of his wife who had stopped at a convenience store for some shopping. He was riddled by armed individuals, who fired six times at him and then fled aboard a motorcycle.

Four other subjects were riddled and later killed in the town of Río Frío, in the municipality of Calera. The men were positioned at the entrance of the community.

In the same manner, three subjects were killed and abandoned in the streets of Fresnillo, men who have not yet been identified, the Prosecutor's Office is still investigating the case in which they lost their lives.

On the other hand, inhabitants of Valparaíso, south of Zacatecas, were displaced again from their homes after intense shootings due to the endless narco-war that plagues the state.  

According to local reports, the clashes began over the course of May 23 in the El Mirador community, between alleged sides of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, transnational crime groups that have been fighting in Zacatecan territory since the end of 2020.

Because the wave of violence increased the next morning, residents were forced to leave their homes for the third time and arrived at the municipal seat of Valparaíso where they refuge for fear of being victims of crossfire.

On May 26, federal agents arrested Óscar Javier “M” aka El Mosca, considered the regional head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the southern area of Zacatecas, a territory that is under dispute with the Sinaloa Cartel.

Agents of the National Intelligence Center of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) executed the operation that led to his capture after having obtained information from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).

"In this operational action he was arrested with small arms, cash, small arms and long gun magazines and drugs," said the information presented by the undersecretary of the SSyPC, Ricardo Mejía Berdeja, during the morning conference of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

realidad zacatecas

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Uruapan, Michoacán: El Fantasma Warns The United Cartels Again

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat 

El Fantasma from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has once again released another video message for the United Cartels. Back in February of this year he had previously sent his ominous warnings to the leader, Nicolas Sierra Santana aka Gordo Viagra, of the Los Viagras criminal group.

Initially Los Viagras started off as a local self defense group in the state of Michoacán. And at one point in time the CJNG were actual allies with Los Viagras. Over the course of time those ties were severed over personal differences. 

Today Los Viagras is an armed group engaged in warfare for their survival within the key southern Pacific state.

Video translation is as follows:

Citizens of Uruapan. This video is to make a call to the authorities that the extortion fees have not ended. They only changed their modes of charging it physically on behalf of drug addicts. Now they’ve made it even easier in reaching the town of Pizándaro by means of mail. Stop going around stealing from the people. Get to work. You Gordo Viagra, Piña, Catorce, and Galleta. We’re already closer to you.

Stop fucking over the townspeople. If you want your extortion fees, we have them right here for you. Come and fight for them in your areas of operations that we've taken away from you guys. They’re not going to replace any money like the last time. Stop fucking over the citizenry. Everyone from the local butchers, tortilla makers, and the transportation drivers are being extorted.

Gentlemen stop living off the backs of the townspeople. Take yourselves to work for a living instead. All these individuals that I have standing here before me are the executives of the taxi industry. This group is local to the city of Uruapan. They were all gathered here and given a dignified deal. Because they're not at fault in any of this. They're doing this out of fear. There's approximately 6000 taxi cabs circulating in this city. And they're being extorted out of 120 pesos every month per vehicle. Do the math. For the Federal, State, and Municipal agencies.

It's a shame that with so many of your government actions you guys can't seem to do away with these problematic affairs. Instead we have to be doing your jobs by capturing the plaza bosses and commanders. As well as give you the cases in point. Such as the Charapendo priest, El Pilas, El Chilango, and Pedrito. For some strange reason you guys never could locate them. And yet we were able to find them gentlemen. Y'all should just start doing your jobs.

And stop living off the backs of the townspeople. They're all obliged to pay an extortion fee. And they're fed up with this. All the citizens of Uruapan should start gathering. You guys are not alone in this. You all have our support. If anyone wants to make contact with any of the leaders here. We are the Cartel…

Unidad de Inteligencia Ciudadana

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Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: Los Mexicles Leader Arturo Arellano Corral Commits Suicide

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Video translation is as follows:

Arturo Arellano Corral alleged leader of the Los Mexicles gang was found hanged in the State Cereso #3. Supposedly they say that he committed suicide. There are those who say it is necessary to investigate because he is a character who could have many enemies inside the prison. So far the authorities have simply confirmed the news. 

The body was removed last Friday night from the prison. He was transferred to the forensic medical service to have his autopsy performed. In addition they say that his body didn’t show any signs of violence. At least that's what the official report says.

Canal 44 Noticias

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Sonora: "They Already Told Me Where My Son Is"

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Ceci Patricia Flores explained that she is in a very large garden, where yesterday along with three other people they began their search.

The Search Mothers from Sonora is in Jalisco.

Ceci Patricia Flores, founder and leader of the collective Search Mothers of Sonora, said that after almost seven years of the disappearance of her son, Alejandro Guadalupe, finally received a call from the person who took her son and that he “already mentioned where he could be found. ”

She explained that she is in a very large garden, where since yesterday she along with three other people began the search, but hasn't been able to advance much, in the municipality of Ahome, Sinaloa.

"Today when I once again headed to the place in my search I received threats and was told not to search further. Unfortunately, I don't have the support of the authorities to search for my son," she said in a video on her social networks.

She pointed out that during her day she had to call on the protection mechanism to be escorted by authorities. She argued that she doesn't seek "guilty parties, or justice," she only wants to find her son. She said, she is only a mother with immense pain; "Finally they told me where he is, I just want to find my son and not cause anyone problems," she said.

milenio    ceci flores

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Ivan Archivaldo and Alfredo Guzmán's Top Lieutenants

"HEARST" and "Ivan" for Borderland Beat 

The following is a list of the alleged men who directly report Los Chapitos and more specifically those that report to Ivan Archivaldo and Alfredo Guzmán.

It should be noted that according to some online, Ivan is also the plaza boss of Culiacan city in addition to being the leader of Los Chapitos. 

In 2013, after Chino Antrax was arrested, El Ruso briefly became plaza boss of Culiacan, but it is unclear how long he held the position and if others later took on the role. Then, after the end of the war against Damaso, when Mini Lic gave himself up in July 2017, El Mayo appointed Ivan as plaza boss of the city according to unconfirmed and unverified rumors. Ivan subsequently consolidated his power in Culiacan.

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Salamanca, Guanajuato: Two Dismembered Bodies Are Discovered In the Ordeña Community

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

The bodies of a man and a woman were located in the Ordeña community, a community located in the northern part of the municipality. Both bodies were dismembered and…

The bodies of a man and a woman were located in the Ordeña community, a community located in the northern part of the municipality.

Both bodies were dismembered and were located on the community access road.

Local residents discovered the bodies minutes after 6 in the morning and notified the authorities through 911.

After receiving the alert call, elements of different police corporations moved to the place.

Elements of the National Guard, of the National Army, the Municipal Police of Salamanca and Red Cross paramedics attended the emergency.

So far the identity of the victims is unknown or if they are originally from the community.

These facts are recorded eight days after a homicide in Salamanca was recorded where 15 homicides are counted during the month of May.

Warning: Graphic Pictures

Narco message reads as follows:

This will be the fate of all the skinny bitches who get involved in bullshit. You fucking murderers of innocents. Come on out to the armed confrontations. This is how every faggots life ends.The purge continues you sons of bitches. Sincerely, La Barredora

salmantino   la masakr3

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Coahuayana, Michoacán: CJNG Interrogation Video Of A United Cartels Plaza Boss

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

A plaza boss for the United Cartels who had been operating along the western Michoacán coast was recently captured by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Within this broadcast the subdued enforcer divulges the illicit affairs of Commander Hector Navarrete Zepeda aka "El Tetos". 

Disclosed within his confessions are the names of every town where they held their areas of illicit operations. Just as well so are the names of currently active assassins revealed. 

The following videos have been deemed safe for all to see. 

Video translation is as follows:

CJNG Warning: This video communication goes out to the citizens of Colima and Michoacán. 

Interrogator: What’s your name and what exactly do you do for a living?

Captive: My name is Omar Aguilar Mendoza. I am the owner of Aguilar Funeral Services. I am a hitmen for Hector Zepeda Navarrete aka El Tetos. 

Interrogator: In which manner does commander Hector Gustavo Ramos of the F.G.E. from Cerro de Ortega, Colima collaborate or give support to the Tetos communitarians?

Captive: Commander Hector Navarrete Zepeda hires out two hitmen for the prosecutors office commander in Cerro de Ortega to abduct citizens and hand them over to him. He also protects him with those boats. 

Interrogator: Boatloads of what?

Captive: Boats filled with cocaine. 

Interrogator: Who are the boatmen who bring in the cocaine for Tetos?

Captive: It’s La Pila and El Chato. 

Interrogator: How many individuals does Tetos have involved, including 15 year old minors and adults?

Captive: There’s 40 persons total. He has 11 to 12 year old kids learning how to shoot so that they can protect those loads. 

Interrogator: What relation does Tetos have with the former mayor of Coahuayana?

Captive: The pilot Navarrez helps him transport drugs in the airplanes. He also provides him with the money and protection.  

Interrogator: Name for me the towns where Tetos has his men to protect the drugs that arrive. As well as each persons name. 

Captive: Those towns are San Juan de Lima, El Ticuiz, Boca de Apiza, San Vicente, El Camalote (Coahuayana, Michoacán de Ocampo), Coahuayana, and Palos Marias. Their names are Rigoberto, El Boca de Apiza, and El Chato. El Cucuy, Camalote, and Luis Rigoberto are in charge for the town of Coahuayana Viejo. 

Interrogator: Tell me about the armed attack that took place on April 17 of this year. 

Captive: There was more or less 5 hitmen who fired upon the white car once it came into view. We each had an AR-15 with three magazines per person. None of our actions came to light because we killed the reporters on the orders of Hector Navarrete. 

Interrogator: What were the news medias told?

Captive: They were specifically told not to release any information so that no one would find out what had happened. Everything was whitewashed. Two individuals were killed that day. Also there was one person injured. 

CJNG Warning: Citizens of Coahuayana, Ticuiz, Boca de Apiza and it’s surroundings. Stop supporting the Tetos hitmen. Commander Hector Gustavo Ramos of the F.G.E. we already know…

unidad de inteligencia ciudadana    pedro 96750683

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Reputed Leader Of Mexican Drug Cartel Charged And Extradited To Chicago, Federal Prosecutors Announce

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

A reputed leader of a notoriously violent Mexican cartel has been extradited to Chicago and arraigned on charges that he trafficked heroin in the Chicago area and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds to Mexico.

Adán Casarrubias Salgado —also known by nicknames including “El Tomate” — was extradited to the U.S. on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, money laundering and drug trafficking Friday and he remains in federal custody, authorities said.

A farmer demonstrates how he draws opium paste from a poppy flower bulb in the mountains of Guerrero state in 2015. 

Casarrubias Salgado is an alleged leader of the Guerreros Unidos criminal syndicate. According to a newly unsealed federal indictment, he distributed heroin around the Chicago area, including suburban Batavia and Aurora, in spring 2014. In June of that year, he sent some $600,000 in drug money to Mexico, the indictment alleges.

“Exercising strong federal laws and extradition is critical to weakening transnational drug cartels that send deadly drugs to the U.S.,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert Bell said in a statement Friday. “The DEA appreciates doing its important work with our close partners to keep Americans safe.”

Guerreros Unidos is reportedly known for its extraordinarily brutal methods, including public displays of beheading victims. The group was implicated in the 2014 disappearance of 43 teaching students, a matter in which Casarrubias Salgado’s brother Sidronio was allegedly involved, according to Mexican reports.

chicago tribune

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La Plaza's El Mocho Executed & El 18 Arrested

"HEARST" for Borderland Beat 

La Plaza’s El Mocho was found shot to death in Rosarito, Baja California, and El 18, another La Plaza figure, was arrested in Cajeme, Sonora. The FGE believes that El 18 organized and planned the deadly city hall attack in Guaymas which killed an innocent bystander.

El 18 Arrested

Brayan Maximiliano, aliases “El 18” and “La Monja”, was arrested by agents of the FGE’s office in Cajeme, Sonora after an arrest warrant was issued by a judge on charges related to homicide. The FGE press release gives no further details about when or how La Monja was arrested. 

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In Badiraguato, "Chapo's" Birthplace, Armed Men Detain Press Convoy Covering AMLO

 "Ivan" for Borderland Beat 

The checkpoint was located about 30 minutes from the La Tuna ranch, where Mrs. María Consuelo Loera, Joaquín Guzmá's mother, lives.

Badiraguato, Sinaloa - A group of 10 men armed with AK-47s set up a roadblock this Friday at the height of the community of Bacacoragua, on the Badiraguato-Guadalupe y Calvo highway, where they stopped the convoy of national press covering the activities of President López Obrador on his working tour of the "Golden Triangle", the birthplace of the Sinaloa Cartel. 

The checkpoint was located about 30 minutes from the La Tuna ranch, where Mrs. María Consuelo Loera, mother of Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, lives, in the heart of the "Golden Triangle," a region stigmatized by the cultivation of poppy and marijuana for drug cartels. 

-Where are you going, my friend?" said the man with a Sinaloan accent, holding a AK-47. 

-We are going to the President's event," replied the driver of the vehicle to the man who approached the vehicle, scrutinizing each of the media representatives through the windows, while another armed man took the driver's side. 

The group of 10 men were dressed in bulletproof vests, with up to eight magazines, military-style uniforms, radio communication equipment, small arms and AK-47s in three pickup trucks without license plates deployed on the road. 

- "No weapons?" the man asked as he checked inside the vehicle.

- "No, just cameras," replied one of the occupants. 

- "Do they have them turned off," replied the man who was wearing military-style clothing, but instead of boots he was wearing huaraches, and on his left arm he wore a patch with the image of an orange in the middle of two black number "7's".

-Yes, look," they replied.- "Where are they going?" he insisted in a serious tone, without expressing a single insult, but without ceasing to observe the occupants. 

- "Guadalupe y Calvo to the event," he was answered. 

At the "request" of the man with the AK-47, the reporters put an elderly man in the van where they were being transported, who closed the door and instructed them to continue on their way. The elderly man affirmed that Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's family "are very charitable" because they have a restaurant and "give free food".

It was in this area in March 2020, during a supervisory tour, where President López Obrador got out of his truck and shook hands with Mrs. María Consuelo, who has requested help from the government to obtain a visa with the United States to be able to see her son imprisoned in that nation.

EL UNIVERSAL 

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Recently Escaped Colombian Kingpin “Matamba” Killed by Police

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

One of Colombia's most wanted fugitives has been killed by police, the country's president has announced.

In March, Juan Castro Estupiñán, better known as Matamba, had escaped from La Picota maximum-security jail in the capital, Bogotá. CCTV footage showed him calmly walking out of his cell dressed in the uniform of a prison guard.

Photo released by the Colombian National Police photo of the body of Juan Larinson Castro Estupinan, a fugitive member of the Gulf Clan drug cartel.

President Iván Duque said that Matamba had been "neutralized" in the city of Bolívar, in northern Colombia. But he did not provide any more details about the police operation in which the fugitive gang leader was killed. "We continue dealing blows to the 'Gulf Clan'," said Duque, adding: "no bandit will have a burrow left to hide in."

Matamba, who led an off-shoot of the Gulf Clan cartel, was expected to be extradited to the US on charges of drug trafficking. He had been accused of running up to 20% of the cocaine shipments from Nariño province, in Colombia's south-west.

His gang, called Cordillera Sur, is thought to have paid off a number of high-ranking members of the Colombian military. Those on the gang's payroll reportedly tipped the gang off about impending raids and in some cases targeted their rivals. 

Matamba's disappearance from prison led some to speculate that he may have been killed in order to prevent him from revealing who in the military the gang had allegedly bribed, as Otoniel was doing prior to his extradition to the US. Matamba was awaiting extradition and fled to avoid it. A number of guards were in on his plan.

CCTV footage showed him calmly walking out through a door left ajar. The prison's directors and more than 50 guards who were on shift at the time of his escape were suspended. The officer suspected of giving him a guard's uniform and opening a door was arrested.

Sources BBC, RTL

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Court Invalidates Protected Witnesses Of The FGR In The Trial Against The Wife Of 'Mencho'.

 "Ivan"for Borderland Beat 

The Attorney General's Office (FGR) suffered a new judicial setback, after a court invalidated the testimonies of three protected witnesses or collaborators in the criminal process for money laundering against Rosalinda González Valencia, wife of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, founder and leader of the Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG).

According to criminal touch 24/2022, the FGR's stumble is due to a serious omission by the Prosecutor's Office itself during the investigation process related to criminal case 12//2018, since it never requested a control judge for a special hearing to justify the reservation of identity of the three collaborating witnesses who were going to testify about the operations with resources of illicit origin of the CJNG to acquire real estate and finance companies related to Rosalinda González Valencia and her daughter Jessica Johanna Oseguera González, convicted in the United States for money laundering.

According to Aristegui Noticias, on May 20, Magistrate Fernando Issac Ibarra Gómez, head of the First Unitary Court of the State of Morelos, issued this ruling in which he also warned that the Attorney General's Office "did not present any argument" to reverse the decision made by a Control Judge assigned to the Federal Criminal Justice Center of Cuernavaca, Morelos, during the intermediate hearing that took place between April 1 and 8.

The judicial decision warns that according to article 22 of the National Code of Criminal Procedures (CNPP), the confidentiality of the identity of witnesses must be expressly and exceptionally authorized by a control judge, in order to ensure the success of the investigation or to guarantee the protection of persons, after the hearing of the indictment and before the formal accusation is filed."The judge of control, if he considers such request to be appropriate, will so decide, determining the term of the reserve, provided that this information is timely disclosed so as not to affect the right of defense. Said reserve may be extended when strictly necessary, but may not be extended until after the indictment has been filed", warns the resolution.

Therefore, since there is no evidence in the investigation file to prove that the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office resorted to a judicial control hearing to request the confidentiality of the identity of the collaborating witnesses, thus violating the constitutional principles and the due process against the accused.

"However, witnesses of reserved identity were offered as evidence and were not subject to judicial control, since there is no such resolution, which is indispensable, and without having been disproved in the debate. For this reason, the aforementioned evidence should be excluded", states the judgment in this case.The argument of the Attorney General's Office regarding the protection of the identity of its protected witnesses was that they complied with the provisions of the law, since they were enrolled in the protection program of the Attorney General's Office and were willing to appear at the oral trial hearing. 

However, for the federal judge, this procedure does not replace judicial control, so it was essential that the investigation file had a copy of the authorization issued by the control judge to keep the identity of such witnesses confidential until the oral trial stage.

Protected witnesses

In addition, the appellate court itself confirmed the exclusion of other witnesses of the Federal Ministerial Police of the Prosecutor's Office who carried out surveillance and follow-up work at the home of the wife of El Mencho, who observed the movement of heavily armed people around the properties occupied by the family of the CJNG leader, arguing that the testimonies of the investigating agents are "impertinent" to prove the illicit nature of the resources and the relationship of Rosalinda Gonzalez with the criminal group.

Although the invalidation of these six witnesses does not imply a definitive defeat for the Attorney General's Office, since the Prosecutor General's Office can still challenge this resolution before a collegiate court, it may affect the theory of the case that the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office will present before the trial court.

The Prosecutor's Office itself recognizes that the testimony of the collaborating witnesses "is fundamental" and "essential" to present its theory of the case against Rosalinda González Valencia, since they are "sources of information" that prove the links of the accused with an organized crime group and the illegal origin of the financial resources and assets she managed.

But due to the omission of the Prosecutor's Office itself to guarantee the confidentiality of the witnesses' identities, giving the defense of the accused the opportunity to challenge their validity, the Public Prosecutor's Office will be forced to present a different argumentation to sustain its criminal accusation against the family of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho".

(With information from Aristegui Noticias)

RIODOCE 

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Adán Zenén Casarrubias Salgado, alias “El Tomate” Is Extradited

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Mexico Government extradited to the United States, on May 26, 2022, Adam Casarrubias Salgado, aka “El Tomate” or “El Silver”, one of the leaders of the Criminal Organization Guerreros Unidos, related to the case of the missing 43 Students of the Normal Rural Raúl Isidro Burgos de Ayotzinapa, in the municipality of Iguala, on September 26, 2014.

Elements of the Federal Ministerial Police, of the Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC) - attached to the General Directorate of International Police Affairs, and, of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), delivered the drug dealer for US agents at the International Airport in Mexico City (AICM).

As reported by the Attorney General's Office (FGR), the authorities turned over Casarrubias Salgado to be tried by the Federal Court of the Northern District of Illinois, in Chicago, for the crimes of criminal association, against health and money laundering .

“The investigation carried out by the US authorities identified Adam 'C', as one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for introducing large amounts of Mexico heroin to the United States between 2012 and 2014 [to benefit the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Beltrán Leyva], ”the FGR explained.

"El Tomate" was arrested on October 29, 2015, in the municipality of Emiliano Zapata, Morelos, by elements of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), when he met with Erick Ulises Ramírez Crespo, then mayor of Cocula, Guerrero, who served in the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

Casarrubias Salgado was criminally processed and subject to preventive detention at the Federal Center for Social Readaptation (Cefereso) number 11, in Hermosillo, Sonora, once notified the US government requested his extradition.

In Mexico, the "El Tomate" was never criminally accused of the case, only for crimes against health and carrying firearms, derived from heroin and weapons that they seized him during his capture.

In 2018, the former Attorney General's Office (PGR) obtained a sentence of 12 years and 251 days as a punishment against “El Tomate”, for crimes against health and carrying firearms for exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

In 2020, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) refused to review and accelerate the process of the trial faced by “El Tomate”, who argued that his legal case remained stuck and that he was plagued with irregularities and serious violations of human rights.

Casarrubias Salgado, "El Tomate", is the brother of Mario Casarrubias Salgado, aka "El Sapo Guapo", deceased; of Sidronio "El Chino"; of José Ángel "El Mochomo" -often -, together with whom he founded the criminal group of the United Warriors.

For his part, the former municipal president was released on October 16, 2016, from a maximum security prison in Guanajuato -where he was held since February 9 of that same year -, given the lack of evidence against him for the crime of organized crime that was attributed to him.

The former PGR reported that the unitary court of the twenty -first circuit based in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, modified the formal prison order of the former mayor, issuing freedom under the reserves of law.

Zeta Tijuana

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Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas: Death Of 3 Incarcerated Narco Bosses Leads To Murder Of Prison Guard

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

The murder of a Mexican border state prison guard by alleged Gulf Cartel gunmen in her home seems to be a revenge for three homicides that took place within a detention center. Before the murder, the police arrested four other prison guards in relation to the murders.

The murder of the guard occurred on Sunday in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. Two armed men broke into the house of Magdalena Balboa, 50, and shot her several times in front of her family.

Days before the murder, the Gulf Cartel sent messages on social networks warning about revenge for the recent murders of three senior commanders within the state prison of Ciudad Victoria.

The Tamaulipas authorities had announced that the death of the former head of the Gulf Cartel in Matamoros, Óscar Antonio “La Droga” López Sandoval, regional chief of the Gulf Cartel in Jiménez, and the prison chief José Luis “Pepillo” Sánchez Guevara, and ex State Policeman, became a member of the Evaristo Eduardo Núñez Caballero cartel. Their deaths were attributed to an overdose, as initially reported, there had been no plot to kill them.

Subsequently, the Tamaulipas government announced the arrest of four prison guards for complicit murder and abuse of authority. Police sources revealed that the four guards supposedly gave access to a group of inmates to the three bosses, who later suffocated them to death.

The four guards and others supposedly helped cover up the case.

Valor Por Tamaulipas

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Zacatecas: CJNG Leader Óscar Javier aka La Mosca Captured

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

The information was released today at the press conference of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, by Ricardo Mejía Berdeja, Undersecretary of Public Security

Javier, nicknamed The Fly, arrested at an address of this capital with weapons, drugs and cash

Of relevance for Zacatecas security matters, today the capture of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader was reported in the region, named Óscar Javier N, nicknamed as “La Mosca”, whose influence occured in this capital and in the municipalities of Villanueva, Jerez and Tabasco.

The arrest was carried out by means of an operation in the Villa Verde subdivision of the city of Zacatecas. Which, by the way, three months ago also caught the attention when a security house was found where Valeria's body was located, who had been kidnapped together with four other students, all killed.

The authorities did not say if the detainee would have any involvement with that tragic episode, for which there were other detainees, at the time.

The Ministry of Citizen Security and Protection announced the arrest of the dangerous subject, through a search at an address of the mentioned subdivision. There, they also located weapons, drugs and cash.

National and state anti -kidnapping coordinations participated in this operation, as well as the Intelligence Center.

Express Zacatecas

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Pájaros Sierra vs CJNG: Videos of CJNG Interrogating & Executing Pájaros Sierra Members

"HEARST" and "Ivan" for Borderland Beat

Borderland Beat was emailed three videos which depict captive Pájaros Sierra members that were filmed by presumed CJNG members. One video is an interrogation, two videos are executions.

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Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas: "I Work For Commander Juanito"

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

An enraged heart broken young male is stuck in the mire of the emotional devastation caused by his ex girlfriend seeing someone else. In his nihilistic anger he lashes out with profanity laced words and direct threats towards his former lover's family members. The melancholic man furiously spits out obscene curses and menacing warnings.

Inside of this verbally abusive tirade the name of Commander Juanito, alleged current leader for the Northeast Cartel is muttered aloud. In a desperately bullish means of leverage the central underworld enforcer in the metropolis of Nuevo Laredo was thrown out to intimidate the household. 

A confirmation to the city's biggest open secret flew out in a moment of blind rage.

Video translation is as follows:

Female: You’re not going to assault me. 

Belligerent Male: Don’t be fucking recording me!

Female: And why not?

Belligerent Male: You’re gong to have problems if you do. 

Female: Of course. Everyone needs to see who you really are. 

Belligerent Male: Do you really want everyone to see this, do you want everyone to see this?

Female: Do what you have to do then. 

Belligerent Male: Are you going to be able to handle this shit? Because if that’s the case I can have my mob come over and destroy your fucking house. 

Female: Go ahead. Tell them to come over. 

Belligerent Male: You want them to come over so that they can tie you up? I don’t give a fuck, call whoever you want. They can all suck my dick!

Margaro: Ok, that’s enough already. We don’t want any problems here. 

Belligerent Male: I work for Commander Juanito, the grand dick in this fucking drug corridor!

Margaro: I don’t like what I’m hearing…

Belligerent Male: No, no, no! Stop your bullshit and tell your daughter to cut her shit out. Ismael, tell your mom not to be a whore because I’m going to fucking kill her. 

Female: But you already have a girlfriend. So just leave our daughter alone. 

Belligerent: What exactly do I have?

Female: You have a girlfriend. 

Belligerent Male: What fucking girlfriend? I don’t fucking have anyone. And why is that? Cause they’re going to fucking kill me! And it angers me deeply that your whore of a daughter is out and about with other men when I’m the fucking man here!

Female: Ok! That’s enough already. Please just leave. 

Belligerent Male: Negro, come here. Should we just open fire on them or what?

Female: Go ahead young man. Take out your gun and kill us. 

Belligerent Male: I’ll fucking open fire on everyone here. But first I want to bring your daughter outside so that I can beat the shit out of her. And you’ll get to see the fucking balls that Luna has here. 

Female: No, you don’t have those nuts. 

Belligerent Male: Go ahead and record my face. You can all suck my dick. I work for Commander Juanito of the Northeast Cartel, the grand dick here in Nuevo Laredo. Things already went to shit for El Huevo (Juan Trevino). Listen here Margaro. Do you want to be someone great in life, do you want to be great?

Margaro: We don’t want any problems Luna. Calm down Luna. 

Belligerent Male: You fucking pussy ass old man. 

Female: That’s enough young man, that’s enough already. I’m going to record the details here. 

Belligerent Male: I don’t give a fuck lady. This is my son we’re talking about here.

Female: He always comes over to do this to us. 

Belligerent: I’m going to show you a video of the guys head I recently killed. I’m going to show you. 

Female: He’s always doing this to us…

Eduardo Luna Ortiz

frontera al rojo vivo

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