By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Six Guardia Civil police officers were injured after their convoy was ambushed by gunmen in Zamora, Michoacán this afternoon.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Six Dismembered Corpses Found in Olinalá, Guerrero - 19 Bodies Found in Last Two Months
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
The dismembered bodies of six men were found in the bed of an abandoned truck in the town of Teticic in the Montaña region of Guerrero, early Thursday morning. The corpses appear to be those of several townspeople kidnapped by armed men who entered the community on Wednesday, May 20, according to police reports.
The dismembered bodies of six men were found in the bed of an abandoned truck in the town of Teticic in the Montaña region of Guerrero, early Thursday morning. The corpses appear to be those of several townspeople kidnapped by armed men who entered the community on Wednesday, May 20, according to police reports.
CJNG Colombian Mercenaries Fighting in Charapan, Michoacán
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
The existence of Colombian mercenaries in Mexico has been well known for at least 15 years, but new images of suspected CJNG-affiliated Colombian combatants fighting in Charapan, Michoacán, have brought renewed attention to their presence on all sides of the fight in Michoacán.
The existence of Colombian mercenaries in Mexico has been well known for at least 15 years, but new images of suspected CJNG-affiliated Colombian combatants fighting in Charapan, Michoacán, have brought renewed attention to their presence on all sides of the fight in Michoacán.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Two CJNG Financial Operators Arrested in Guadalajara, Jalisco
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Mexican authorities arrested two alleged Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) financial operators in Guadalajara, including José Elías Celis Contreras, alias "El Chipo", who is presumed to have served as one of the financial operators for Audias Flores Silva, alias "El Jardinero".
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
U.S. Consulate in Matamoros Releases Communication Following Killing of Mexican Police Officer Assigned to Consulate Security
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
Mary Virginia Hantsch, Principal Officer for the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, released a video expressing condolences following the killing of a Mexican federal police officer assigned to Consulate security.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Mexican Authorities Seize Narco Labs Linked to “El Jardinero”
Mexican Authorities Seize Narco Labs Linked to “El Jardinero”
On May 17, 2026, Mexican security forces raided five drug laboratories allegedly linked to Audias Flores Silva, a.k.a. “El Jardinero,” one of the top lieutenants of deceased cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
The seizures followed El Jardinero’s arrest on April 27, 2026, in Nayarit. Shortly afterward, a federal judge granted an initial legal suspension blocking his immediate extradition to the United States. The ruling was issued on April 30, 2026, by Zucena Lazalde Íñiguez, Second District Judge in Criminal Matters for the State of Mexico.
According to official reports, the Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC), and the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) carried out a coordinated multi-state operation targeting clandestine synthetic drug laboratories in the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco.
Largest Seizures in Sinaloa
The largest seizures were reported in the municipalities of Corralejo and Corral Viejo, Sinaloa, where authorities dismantled three clandestine drug laboratories linked to the organization.
At the first site, Mexican forces seized one ton of chemical precursors, including ammonium chloride and tartaric acid, along with industrial containers and enamel-coated cooking pots commonly used in synthetic drug production.
At the second laboratory, authorities seized 500 liters of acetic acid, 1,500 kilograms of tartaric acid, and 75 kilograms of dual-use chemical substances.
At the third laboratory, security forces seized 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine—400 kilograms in the drying process and 600 kilograms being cooked—along with 100 liters of methanol, 500 kilograms of caustic soda, and 440 kilograms of tartaric acid.
Nayarit and Jalisco Operations
In Capomo, Nayarit, Mexican marines seized 780 kilograms of solid methamphetamine and 300 liters in liquid form from a large synthetic drug laboratory.
In Saucillo, Jalisco, authorities seized another synthetic drug laboratory allegedly linked to the same organization. The site contained 600 kilograms of finished product, 750 liters of chemical precursors, and 425 kilograms of solid chemical substances, in addition to tools and equipment used in synthetic drug production.
Combined, the seizures reportedly generated an estimated financial blow of more than 650 million pesos to the criminal organization.
What Could Happen Next?
The seizures occurred during a particularly difficult moment for the CJNG. El Jardinero’s extradition process was temporarily halted by the Mexican judiciary shortly after the formal indictments issued against Governor-on-leave Rubén Rocha Moya. At the same time, tensions with the United States increased following the Mexican government’s refusal to extradite him.
Although the operation represents a major blow to the faction allegedly controlled by El Jardinero, estimates indicate that Mexico’s methamphetamine market exceeds 400 tons annually. This suggests that, while the seizures are operationally significant, the primary financial impact would mainly affect El Jardinero’s faction rather than the broader CJNG structure.
It is also notable that no individuals were arrested during any of the raids. This may indicate that the cartel had prior warning of the operations. Such circumstances may reflect an internal CJNG power struggle, potentially linked to Juan Carlos Valencia González (“El 03”), widely viewed as one of El Mencho’s principal successors, as part of an effort to dismantle the remaining influence of El Jardinero’s faction and consolidate control over the cartel.
Sources: Quadratin, Politico MX, Insightcrime
Ten Massacred in Apparent Family Dispute in Tehuitzingo, Morelos
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
During the early hours of this Sunday, a group of armed men murdered 10 people, including an entire family, in the community of Texcalapa de Juárez in the municipality of Tehuitzingo, Morelos state. The event may have been related to a family dispute.
During the early hours of this Sunday, a group of armed men murdered 10 people, including an entire family, in the community of Texcalapa de Juárez in the municipality of Tehuitzingo, Morelos state. The event may have been related to a family dispute.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Major Narco Tank Workshop Discovered in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
The Attorney General's Office (FGR) seized 15 homemade armored trucks, and six unarmored vehicles after executing a search warrant at a warehouse in Colonia Campestre in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. The property appears to have been used as storage and a workshop for creating homemade armored vehicles by Los Metros.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Hells Angels Leader Hiding in Cancún—Wanted by Interpol for Drug Trafficking
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Authorities in Cancún, Quintana Roo, have arrested Denis Ivziku, a leader and logistical operator for the transnational criminal organization known as the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC). He was wanted by Interpol for drug trafficking and extortion. The group is the largest and most well-known outlaw motorcycle club in the world.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Mass Graves and Clandestine "Cooking Pits" Found in Miguel Alemán
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Community groups discovered at least seven sets of human remains in the rural area of the village of "Los Angeles"; authorities are analyzing evidence to identify the remains.
Members of the collective "Amor por los Desaparecidos en Tamaulipas" (Love for the Disappeared in Tamaulipas) made a new discovery of clandestine graves and "kitchens" in a rural area south of the town of "Los Ángeles," in coordination with the State Commission for the Search for Disappeared Persons.
The collective's representative, Edith González, reported that this operation marks the 55th search and the 22nd successful discovery carried out by the group within the state.
During the operation, six clandestine "kitchens," six graves, and seven complete sets of skeletal remains—still clad in clothing—were located, along with various other evidentiary clues that are currently being processed by the relevant authorities.
Search and recovery operations remain active in the area, as family members and volunteers continue to uncover objects and evidence that could contribute to future investigations and the identification of victims.
The victims' relatives continue to traverse hard-to-reach areas in the hope of obtaining information regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Los Ángeles, Tamaulipas
Source: El Mañana
Two Former Mexican Officials Accused of Narco Links Surrender to U.S. Authorities
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
This week, two former senior officials from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, both accused by U.S. prosecutors of ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, surrendered to American authorities in separate incidents.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Rural Police Seize Arsenal and Four Vehicles Following Clash in Cuauhtémoc
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
No officers were reported injured following the exchange of gunfire, and a search operation was launched to locate those responsible.
Officers from the Rural Police successfully seized a significant arsenal—including a .50-caliber rifle—along with narcotics and four vehicles, following a clash that took place in the mountainous region near the Cuauhtémoc toll booth, the State Public Security Secretariat (SSPE) reported.
According to a press release issued by the agency, the seizure was the result of crime prevention and deterrence operations conducted in hard-to-reach areas—initiatives directed by Gilberto Loya Chávez, head of the SSPE.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 13, when officers from the force, while conducting patrols along dirt trails, spotted a convoy of armed men who fled upon noticing the police presence.
Consequently, a pursuit ensued across rugged terrain, during which the armed group subsequently opened fire on the officers.
Officers from the Undersecretariat of Police Deployment immediately returned fire, overwhelming the suspected criminals with superior firepower. Finding themselves outmatched by the state forces, the aggressors abandoned their vehicles to block the road before fleeing on foot across the rugged terrain.
At the scene, agents seized three long guns and a high-powered .50-caliber rifle, in addition to 20 magazines and over 570 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers. Inside the vehicles, they also discovered seven plate carriers, one ballistic helmet, and nearly half a kilogram of marijuana.
The seized vehicles included a Dodge Durango reported stolen in Texas, a RAM 2500 reported stolen in Albuquerque, as well as a Ford Platinum and a GMC Yukon.
It is worth noting that no officers were reported injured following the exchange of gunfire. Subsequently, a search operation was deployed in the area in an attempt to locate those responsible.
Finally, Secretary Gilberto Loya issued instructions to maintain a permanent presence of the Rural Police and special units in the western region to ensure the safety of the inhabitants. All seized items were placed at the disposal of the Attorney General's Office (FGR) for the compilation of the corresponding investigative file.
Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua
Source: El Heraldo de Chihuahua
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Two Clandestine Fuel Taps Secured in Rural Altamira
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Personnel from the State Guard, the Navy, and Pemex detected illegal connections to pipelines along the Tampico-Mante highway; the area was secured to facilitate sealing operations.
A joint operation involving the State Guard, the Secretariat of the Navy, and security personnel from Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) led to the detection of two clandestine fuel taps in the municipality of Altamira.
The incident occurred near kilometer 62 of Federal Highway 80 (Tampico-Mante), in the vicinity of the Santa Gertrudis communal land, along the stretch immediately preceding Estación Manuel.
Two Clandestine Fuel Taps Secured in Rural Altamira
During the deployment, state and federal forces established a security perimeter to safeguard the infrastructure and facilitate the work of specialized technicians.
Pemex technical personnel proceeded to neutralize and seal the pipeline connections to prevent environmental hazards or explosions in the rural area.
Following an inspection of the area, authorities reported that no individuals were found at the site; consequently, no arrests were made in connection with this incident.
Altamira, Tamaulipas
Source: El Mañana
CNN, NYT Report CIA Was Behind Car Bomb Assassination of Sinaloa Cartel Officer in March 2026
By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat
In late-March, a Sinaloa Cartel officer identified as Francisco Beltrán “N” alias "El Payin" was killed when his vehicle exploded just after arriving at Felipe Angeles International Airport just outside Mexico City. Last night, CNN reported that the killing was orchestrated and carried by C.I.A. officers in Mexico, a claim which the United States and Mexican governments rejected.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
The Number of People Arrested in Connection With "The Lord of the Ships" Has Risen to Four
“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Operations conducted by federal forces to locate businessman Roberto Blanco Cantú—known as "El Señor de los Buques" (The Lord of the Ships)—have so far resulted in the arrest of four individuals, including José Antonio Cortés Huerta, the alleged leader of a cell linked to the Northeast Cartel.
Federal government sources confirmed to MILENIO that the arrests stemmed from a series of simultaneous raids carried out in Monterrey, San Pedro, and Allende—all within the state of Nuevo León—targeting the cell associated with the aforementioned criminal organization, which is likely led by José Antonio Cortés Huerta.
According to information obtained by this news outlet, the operation was spearheaded at the ministerial level by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC). Meanwhile, personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) deployed intelligence officers and specialized tactical special operations teams to provide security, conduct site exploitation, and maintain operational control throughout the proceedings.
The operations took place on May 9 at four properties linked to the criminal structure. This group is considered a major generator of violence and is allegedly involved in operations involving funds of illicit origin, drug-related offenses, and the possession of weaponry.
Who was arrested during the raids in Nuevo León?
Notable among those detained are: José Antonio Cortés Huerta; Jesse 'N', identified as an operative within the same structure; Rosario Flores Alemán, a close associate of the cell's leader; and Juan de Dios 'N', identified as a bodyguard.
The sources consulted indicated that the Navy's involvement was crucial in securing the properties without major incident and maintaining tactical control of the operation—which was deemed high-risk due to the organization's level of armament and financial capacity.
During the raids, authorities seized handguns and long guns, magazines, ammunition, mobile phones, computers, cash-counting machines, high-end vehicles, cash (pending an official count by the FGR), narcotics, and various documents deemed relevant to the investigation. One of the findings that most caught the authorities' attention was the discovery of properties showing signs of the organization's financial and logistical operations, as well as exotic wildlife and luxury assets that allegedly formed part of a money laundering and asset concealment scheme.
Officials indicated that, within the security cabinet, this operation is considered a significant blow to the operational and financial capabilities of this cell in Nuevo León—particularly given the profile of those detained and the seizure of electronic equipment and documentation, which will now be analyzed by federal intelligence agencies.
They further stated that the Secretariat of the Navy maintained discreet surveillance on movements and points of interest related to the organization's structure for several weeks, thereby enabling them to execute the operations with surgical precision and without creating risk situations for the general public.
The Link to 'El Señor de los Buques'
José Antonio Cortés Huerta has been identified by authorities as one of the key operatives for businessman Roberto Blanco Cantú.
The seized properties are linked to Roberto Blanco Cantú—also known as Roberto Brown Cantú—the majority shareholder of the company MEFRA FLETES, S.A. de C.V., who is responsible for the commercialization of illicitly sourced hydrocarbons originating in the United States.
It is suspected that Blanco Cantú is connected to a corporate network allegedly used to smuggle illicit fuel from the United States into Mexico through schemes involving tax evasion on fuel, document manipulation, and maritime-port logistics.
Sources: Milenio, Borderland Beat Archives
