CJNG's Right Hand Man Captured in Jalisco

In a major blow to Mexico's most feared criminal organization, the Mexican Army and National Guard have apprehended two alleged members of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), following a tense operation in the mountainous region of Atenguillo, Jalisco. Among the captured is Salvador “N,” known as “El Chava,” who authorities claim is a high-ranking and trusted associate of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious cartel boss better known as “El Mencho.”

The arrest, executed on the night of October 7, represents a significant victory for law enforcement in their fight against one of the most violent and powerful drug cartels operating in Mexico. Salvador “N” was not only a critical regional head in Jalisco, but also functioned as a key intermediary, serving as a liaison between "El Mencho" and the cartel's logistics, financial, and regional operatives. Alongside him, another suspect, Rogelio “N,” alias “El Gordo,” was also taken into custody. Both men were caught with a chilling cache of weapons, ammunition, and an array of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl.

According to sources from the Mexican Army, the arrest culminated from months of painstaking intelligence-gathering and surveillance. The region surrounding Atenguillo, nestled in Jalisco’s Sierra Occidental, has long been under the cartel’s influence, making this operation a significant victory for authorities. The military and National Guard worked in close coordination to bring down Salvador "N," who is now believed to have been responsible for several violent acts across the state, further solidifying his reputation as a high-value target.

Salvador “N” has been named as the regional chief of the CJNG in both Talpa de Allende and the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara, two key areas for cartel operations. His arrest comes as a direct consequence of the government's increased efforts to target top-level CJNG operatives after the death of Saúl Alejandro “N,” alias “El Chopa,” a close ally of “El Mencho,” who was killed in April 2022.

Trusted Confidant of El Mencho

The capture of Salvador “N” marks a rare success in the authorities' ongoing battle against the CJNG, a cartel infamous for its violent tactics and its ability to infiltrate various parts of Mexico's political and social fabric. As a trusted confidant of “El Mencho,” Salvador "N" played a critical role in ensuring that the cartel’s wide-reaching logistics ran smoothly. He allegedly served as a key messenger between "El Mencho" and the cartel's inner circle, which includes top-level logistics operators, financiers, and regional commanders. His ability to navigate these high-level channels underscores his importance to the criminal organization.

This makes his arrest all the more significant, as taking down someone so deeply embedded in the cartel's structure could lead to further unraveling of the CJNG’s operations. Experts say that his involvement in the cartel's financial and operational logistics means he may possess valuable information that could help authorities strike at the heart of the organization.

During the operation, authorities seized an alarming array of high-powered weaponry, cartridges, and several types of illicit drugs. In addition to cocaine and methamphetamines, officers also found fentanyl, a highly dangerous opioid that has been responsible for a surge in drug overdoses, both in Mexico and the United States. The CJNG is known for being a major player in the international drug trade, and its involvement in fentanyl trafficking has made it one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

This operation was not the result of chance. According to official statements, the National Guard and the Mexican Army have been working for months in close collaboration, relying on their intelligence divisions to track the movements of Salvador "N" and Rogelio "N." This kind of inter-agency cooperation has been increasingly essential in combating the CJNG, whose grip over certain regions of Mexico is strong, and whose capacity for violence is unmatched.

The Legal Process

Both suspects are now in the custody of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) in Mexico City, where they will face legal proceedings. Salvador “N” and Rogelio “N” will likely face a slew of charges, ranging from drug trafficking to weapons offenses, and their arrest could trigger a broader investigation into the cartel's operations in Jalisco and beyond. Authorities hope that the high-profile arrest of these men will provide key information that could lead to further dismantling of the cartel’s leadership.

In cases like these, legal processes in Mexico can be notoriously slow and cumbersome. The detainees will first be required to provide their oral statements and personal details to law enforcement, where they must also submit documentation proving their identity and the nature of their criminal activities. The legal paperwork is often extensive, with at least three copies required for various agencies involved in the process, from the initial prosecutor to the final judiciary committees.

Given the significance of this arrest, the Mexican government is expected to keep a close watch on the judicial process, ensuring that these key players in the CJNG are held accountable for their actions.

The CJNG has long been one of Mexico's most violent and dominant drug cartels. Under the leadership of "El Mencho," the group has expanded its reach not just across Mexico, but internationally, controlling large swaths of the drug trade in the U.S. and Europe. The cartel is known for its brutal tactics, including mass executions, attacks on government officials, and ruthless control over its territories. In recent years, the CJNG has become a top priority for law enforcement agencies in both Mexico and the United States, as its influence continues to grow.

The arrest of Salvador “N” may prove to be a critical turning point in this long-running battle. His capture represents a dent in the armor of a criminal organization that has often appeared untouchable. As Mexico continues to grapple with the scourge of cartel violence, this operation serves as a reminder that even the most elusive figures can eventually be brought to justice.

For the residents of Jalisco, the arrest brings a brief respite from the constant threat of cartel violence. However, the road to dismantling the CJNG remains long and perilous, with many more battles ahead in the country’s ongoing war against organized crime.