Alleged cartel leader wanted by the U.S. is captured in Mexico in operation aided by DEA intelligence

November 9, 2026 / 10:34 AM EST / CBS/AFP

Mexican authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of a powerful cartel's regional leader who is wanted by the U.S.

The arrested suspect was identified as Rafael Alvarez, alias "R2," who headed a Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) cell linked to homicides, drug trafficking and extortion of avocado industry entrepreneurs.

The CJNG was designated a "foreign terrorist organization" by the American government in 2025 and is known for its violent tactics and attacks on authorities.

It competes with the Sinaloa Cartel for drug trafficking into the United States, but since the death of its founder, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, in a military operation in February, several of its top leaders have been apprehended.

The drug gang operates in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan.

Alvarez is also linked to the killing a year ago of Carlos Manzo, a popular mayor known for the way he confronted organized crime.

Mexico's navy released an image of Alvarez on social media after his arrest.

En Zapopan, Jalisco, personal de la Armada de México, a través de la Unidad de Operaciones Especiales de #Marina, en coordinación con @SSPCMexico, detuvo a Rafael “N”, alias “R2”, identificado como…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/