Mexico City

Cartel Recruiter "El Lastra" Busted in Mexico City After Years-Long Manhunt

Mexican cartel "Commander" "El Lastra" nabbed in Mexico City after vanishing in 2020. Accused of recruiting for CJNG, linked to Izaguirre ranch. Partner also arrested.

Mexicanist

Mar 24, 2025 — 3 min read

So, "El Lastra" was teaching cartel recruits "track, weapons, and disarmament"? Guess he should've taken a course on avoiding the feds! Credit: Agencies

Cops in Mexico City finally collared a suspected cartel honcho, José Gregorio Lastra Hermida, aka “El Lastra,” after he mysteriously disappeared back in 2020, authorities announced Saturday. This alleged bad guy is accused of being the top dog in recruiting fresh meat for the notorious Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) and is even suspected of having ties to a creepy ranch case where searching mothers found a disturbing notebook.

“El Lastra,” whose last name chillingly appeared on lists found in the notebook, was nabbed in a dramatic takedown in the Cuajimalpa municipality, ending months of tracking this criminal group. Turns out, his own partner reported him missing way back on August 25, 2020, after she last heard from him while he was heading to a neighborhood in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Spooky stuff!

Electric car charging station display showing 78% charge.

Nuevo Leon Slashes Payroll Tax to Lure EV Investment & Boost Economy

Nuevo Leon launches major payroll tax (ISN) cuts & subsidies, targeting EV investment (up to 95% off), local sourcing and exporters. Includes significant debt relief on past ISN dues. Aims to attract nearshoring and boost economy.

Array of digital electricity meters displaying numbers.

Mexico Inflation Rate Eases Slightly to 3.67% in Early March

Mexico's annual inflation eased slightly to 3.67% in early March, down from 3.74%. Core inflation also moderated to 3.56%. Despite the dip, both figures remain above the central bank's 3% target, with year-end core inflation expectations rising.

Visual representation of a cartoon chicken running from an explosion.

Mexican Chicken Chain Under Siege as Bomb Attacks Erupt

Chicken chain El Pollo Loco in Nuevo Leon is under attack! Five locations torched, 1 guard injured. Authorities investigate, downplaying extortion links.

A stylized illustration of Mexico's ID system (CURP) transforming into a searchlight.

Data Integration at Heart of Mexico's Push to Solve Disappearances

Mexico's President Sheinbaum proposes reforms to enhance the search for missing persons. Key measures include a unified identity platform (CURP), national databases, and private sector involvement.

Read more

Nuevo Leon Slashes Payroll Tax to Lure EV Investment & Boost Economy

Mexico Inflation Rate Eases Slightly to 3.67% in Early March

Mexican Chicken Chain Under Siege as Bomb Attacks Erupt

Data Integration at Heart of Mexico's Push to Solve Disappearances