High-ranking drug trafficker Héctor Manuel García, known by his alias “El Kado,” will remain behind bars in Yucatán despite a recent judicial victory regarding a separate criminal case in Baja California. Authorities confirmed that García, a presumed leader within the Cártel de los Arellano Félix (CAF), remains in the Mérida Social Reinsertion Center (Cereso) because he faces active, serious charges in the Yucatán region.

While a court in Tijuana ordered the dismissal of a 2016 case against García due to the statute of limitations on a firearm possession charge, the dismissal does not grant him freedom. This is because he is currently undergoing a separate prosecution by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) in Yucatán for crimes including drug trafficking, possession of military-grade firearms, and possession of ammunition reserved for the Armed Forces.

Intelligence-Driven Apprehension

García was apprehended on July 22 in Valladolid, Yucatán, following a sophisticated intelligence operation. Federal security officials, including SSPC Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch, noted that the arrest was made possible through vital cooperation with U.S. agencies, specifically the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

At the time of his arrest, García was traveling in a black GMC Yukon with his wife. During a search of his person and vehicle, authorities seized a .380 Springfield Armory pistol, methamphetamine (crystal), marijuana, a digital scale, and synthetic packaging materials.

Criminal Profile and Alleged Operations

Authorities identify García—also known by the aliases “El Ka2ador” and “El Cazador”—as a leader of a cell responsible for coordinating drug trafficking into the United States. He is reportedly linked to Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuño, who was extradited to the U.S. in August 2025.

Beyond narcotics, García has been accused of orchestrating homicides, extortions, and other violent acts in Baja California. Local reports in Quintana Roo also link him to criminal operations within that state.

Allegations of Continued Criminal Activity

Despite his incarceration, reports from Semanario Zeta suggest that García may still be directing criminal activities from within the prison. The outlet linked him to the recent kidnapping of a businessman in Rosarito, where his family reportedly received a message stating that the kidnapping was a result of “friendships” between the family and “El Kado” and the real estate cartel he represents.

The judicial process in Mérida remains ongoing, with the federal prosecutor’s office maintaining that the evidence gathered corroborates the narrative of the arresting officers. While the prosecution continues, authorities maintain the principle of the presumption of innocence until a final verdict is reached.