World · Latin America · 16 hrs ago
CJNG figure Rafael “N” detained again in Zapopan after 2022 acquittal
Mexican forces detained Rafael “N,” known as “R2,” in Zapopan on November 8, 2026.
The operation involved the Navy and federal authorities and led to an armed confrontation in which “R2” and a naval officer were injured.
He was acquitted of organized-crime charges in 2022, after an earlier arrest with his brother in 2012.
Authorities identify him as the alleged leader of Los Rs, a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel operating in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Officials link him to a CJNG cell in two states and say he may have been involved in the killing of Carlos Manzo, a former mayor of Uruapan.
A court has issued a warrant for alleged aggravated homicide, and he also faces an arrest warrant for extradition to the United States.
The operation also led to 19 other arrests, and authorities say intelligence work and information shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration helped locate him.
Rafael “N”, known as “R2,” was detained again in Zapopan, Jalisco, on November 8, 2026.
The operation was led by Mexico’s Navy and involved federal authorities; it ended in an armed confrontation.
Rafael “N” was injured, as was one naval officer, and 19 other people were detained.
Authorities identify him as the suspected leader of “Los Rs,” a CJNG cell active in Jalisco and Michoacán.
He was acquitted of organized-crime charges in 2022 after an earlier arrest in 2012.
- Who
- Rafael “N,” known as “R2,” was detained. Authorities identify him as the suspected leader of “Los Rs,” a CJNG cell.
- What
- He was detained again during a security operation that led to an armed confrontation.
- When
- November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
- Why
- The operation followed intelligence work by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and information shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities say he has an outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated homicide and an extradition arrest warrant.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Army carried out operations in Guadalajara and captured Rafael “N” and his brother, Ramón “N.
The brothers were acquitted of organized-crime charges.
Rafael “N” was detained again in Zapopan during an operation that ended in an armed confrontation.
- Alias
- R2
- Location of 2026 detention
- Zapopan, Jalisco
- Date of 2026 detention
- November 8, 2026
- Other people detained in 2026 operation
- 19
- Earlier acquittal
- November 19, 2022
- Alleged group
- Los Rs,” a CJNG cell operating in Jalisco and Michoacán
1 source
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El "R2", integrante de "Los R" vinculados a un grupo delincuencial de Jalisco, fue detenido tras enfrentarse con la Marina en el restaurante Sabea de Zapopan. El operativo dejó 19 detenidos más, ligados al homicidio de Carlos Manzo. Hay despliegue en la zona.