World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Suspected CJNG leader arrested in Oaxaca
Federal forces arrested Carlos César Cruz Muñoz in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, on Wednesday, October 28.
Known as “El Semáforo,” he is accused of leading the CJNG in the Veracruz-Boca del Río area.
Authorities say he was the successor to Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque,” who was arrested in Jalisco on October 5.
Officials also allege Cruz Muñoz was involved in the killing of two investigative officers in Boca del Río in May 2025.
A second person, Ana Gabriela Aguilar Ávalos, was arrested and is described by authorities as a suspected logistics operator for the group.
Officials say they seized drugs, weapons, grenades, vehicles and other property during the operation.
Both suspects were taken to Mexico City and handed to prosecutors as investigators prepare the case.
Federal forces arrested Carlos César Cruz Muñoz, known as “El Semáforo,” in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, on October 28.
Authorities identify him as a suspected CJNG plaza chief in the Veracruz-Boca del Río area and a successor to Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque.”
Ana Gabriela Aguilar Ávalos was also arrested and is identified as a suspected logistics operator for the group.
Authorities said they seized drugs, weapons, grenades, vehicles, motorcycles, quad bikes and a property.
Both detainees were taken to Mexico City and placed in the custody of a public prosecutor.
- Who
- Federal forces arrested Carlos César Cruz Muñoz and Ana Gabriela Aguilar Ávalos.
- What
- Cruz Muñoz is suspected of being a CJNG plaza chief and successor to “El Tanque”; Aguilar Ávalos is identified as a suspected logistics operator.
- When
- The arrests took place in the early hours of October 28.
- Where
- San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Oaxaca.
- Why
- Authorities said the operation was part of coordinated efforts to detain people they consider generators of violence and weaken criminal structures in the region.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque,” was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco.
Federal forces arrested Carlos César Cruz Muñoz and Ana Gabriela Aguilar Ávalos in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca.
The detainees were flown from Tuxtepec to Veracruz, then taken by plane to Mexico City and placed in the custody of a public prosecutor.
- Main detainee
- Carlos César Cruz Muñoz, alias “El Semáforo
- Second detainee
- Ana Gabriela Aguilar Ávalos
- Arrest location
- San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Oaxaca
- Arrest date
- October 28
- Estimated value of seized property
- 8,837,000 pesos
- Seized transport
- Four vehicles, six motorcycles and two quad bikes