A joint state-federal operation led to the arrest of the alleged leader, along with evidence linking him to homicides, disappearances, and extortion in the area.
Agents of the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), in coordination with federal and state forces, captured the alleged “plaza boss” of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Playa del Carmen. The detainee was identified as Ernesto Guadalupe “N.”, alias “El Rayo” (The Lightning Bolt).
The arrest took place on the morning of Tuesday, November 25, during a search at the intersection of Tulum Avenue and Agua Street, in Superblock 4 of Benito Juárez, Cancún. The operation involved the participation of the FGE, the National Defense Secretariat, the Navy, the National Guard, and state and municipal police.
During a voluntary inspection of the vehicle he was traveling in, authorities seized an arsenal consisting of eleven firearms restricted to the exclusive use of the Army, Navy, and Air Force: six long guns—including 7.62×39 mm and .223 caliber rifles—and five pistols, all with loaded magazines. Drugs—including crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, and pills—several cell phones, and other evidence were also confiscated.
According to the official statement, “El Rayo” is linked to at least five homicides, disappearances, and extortion of public transportation drivers in the municipalities of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, as well as drug dealing.
The detainee and the seized items were turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine his legal status in accordance with the law. Authorities reiterated their commitment to continue investigations to dismantle criminal cells linked to the CJNG cartel in the state.
This operation is part of a series of recent actions in Quintana Roo against members of the CJNG cartel, including weapons seizures and arrests aimed at weakening the criminal group’s presence in tourist municipalities and areas with high crime rates.
With information from El Universal
