World · Latin America · 4 hrs ago
Suspected CJNG regional leader arrested in Veracruz
Mexican authorities arrested Samuel De la Cruz Anaya, known as “El Panda,” in Coatzacoalcos, in the state of Veracruz.
Officials say he was a suspected regional leader of the CJNG, a criminal group operating in southern Veracruz.
The investigation began in January 2026 after two businessmen were kidnapped in nearby Cosoleacaque.
Authorities say De la Cruz Anaya was being investigated for possible links to kidnapping, extortion, drug sales and illegal fuel trading.
He also had an arrest warrant for unlawful deprivation of liberty, and authorities seized money, a vehicle and mobile phones during the operation.
The arrest forms part of a wider security effort in southern Veracruz, which the government says has detained 163 people, including 103 suspected of links to criminal groups.
Mexican naval forces arrested Samuel De la Cruz Anaya, known as “El Panda,” in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.
Authorities identified him as a suspected regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Investigators linked him to the kidnapping of two businesspeople and suspected crimes including extortion and drug sales.
He had an arrest warrant for unlawful deprivation of liberty, according to the report.
Authorities said they seized 398,000 pesos, a vehicle and mobile phones.
- Who
- Samuel De la Cruz Anaya, known as “El Panda,” a suspected CJNG regional leader.
- What
- He was arrested in a coordinated operation.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- The Estero del Pantano neighborhood of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.
- Why
- Authorities said he was wanted for unlawful deprivation of liberty and was linked to alleged criminal activity, including the kidnapping of two businesspeople.
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Investigations began after two businesspeople were kidnapped in Cosoleacaque.
Authorities dismantled a property suspected of being a safe house in El Cocuital, Jáltipan, and detained a man identified as “Sparta.
Authorities identified De la Cruz Anaya as a suspected regional leader and arrested him in Coatzacoalcos.
- Arrest location
- Estero del Pantano, Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
- Suspect
- Samuel De la Cruz Anaya, known as “El Panda
- Suspected group
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Seized cash
- 398,000 pesos
- Investigation began
- January 2026