In one of the latest developments in the region’s fight against organised crime, Mexican authorities have arrested an alleged drug cartel leader wanted in the United States, along with 19 other people, in an operation aided by intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The main suspect, Rafael “N”, known by the alias “R2”, is accused of leading a faction of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and has allegedly been linked to the killing of a local mayor who had spoken out against organised crime, as well as the extortion of avocado producers. The lucrative avocado business in western Mexico has long been shadowed by threats, extortion and cartel violence.
Mexican authorities generally withhold the full surnames of criminal suspects in their official announcements, identifying them by their first name followed by “N”. Consequently, the Navy’s announcement identified the arrested man as Rafael “N”, alias R2.
Why is the suspect linked to a mayor’s murder?
One of the most serious allegations against R2 concerns the November 2025 killing of Carlos Manzo, the former mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan. The politician was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead celebration on November 1, while attending festivities with his family. Manzo, 40, had become known for openly challenging organised crime and demanding stronger action against the cartels operating in his municipality. In July 2026, Mexican authorities arrested another alleged Los Rs leader, Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, known as R1.
Its personnel came under armed attack during the operation and returned fire, according to Mexico’s Navy. Authorities said the situation was brought under control. The arrest was not without violence. R2 and one naval officer were wounded in the exchange and received medical attention. Uruapan is a major centre of Mexico’s avocado industry, and the surrounding region has repeatedly faced violence linked to criminal groups seeking control over agricultural businesses and transport networks. The investigation has since led to several arrests. Officials identified him as a suspected mastermind behind Manzo’s assassination. R2’s arrest is a separate development in the investigation and the wider crackdown on the faction. Following her husband’s death, Manzo’s wife, Grecia Quiroz, took over as mayor of Uruapan, pledging to continue his fight against organised crime.