World · Latin America · 17 hrs ago
Mexico arrests alleged Los Rs leader in operation aided by DEA intelligence
Mexican authorities arrested Rafael “N”, known as “R2”, in Zapopan, in the state of Jalisco.
They describe him as an alleged leader of Los Rs, a faction of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel that operates in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Nineteen other people were detained in the operation, which involved Mexico’s Navy and security authorities.
Mexican intelligence work and information shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration helped locate the suspect.
A gunfight broke out during the operation, and R2 and a naval officer were wounded and received medical care.
Authorities say R2 has a Mexican arrest warrant for aggravated homicide and a warrant connected to extradition to the United States; he is also allegedly linked to the killing of former mayor Carlos Manzo.
The case matters because authorities link Los Rs to drug trafficking, extortion and violence, including extortion of business owners and avocado producers; no further legal steps are specified.
Mexican authorities arrested Rafael “N,” known as “R2,” in Zapopan, Jalisco, on November 8.
Authorities identify him as an alleged leader of Los Rs, a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel operating in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Nineteen other people were detained in the operation, which involved Mexican security forces and intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
R2 and a naval officer were wounded during an armed confrontation and received medical attention.
Authorities say R2 is linked to the homicide of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo and has an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide and a warrant for extradition to the United States.
- Who
- Mexican authorities arrested Rafael “N,” known as “R2,” whom they identify as an alleged leader of Los Rs.
- What
- He was detained along with 19 other people. He and a naval officer were wounded during an armed confrontation.
- When
- Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
- Why
- Authorities say intelligence work and information shared by the DEA helped locate him. They identify him as an alleged cartel-cell leader wanted on an aggravated-homicide warrant.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
R2’s brother, Ramón Álvarez Ayala, known as “R1,” was arrested, according to Infobae.
The US Department of Justice filed an indictment against R1 and R2 over alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy and firearms offenses, according to El Universal.
Mexican authorities arrested R2 and 19 others in Zapopan; R2 and a naval officer were wounded in an armed confrontation.
- Detainee
- Rafael “N,” known as “R2
- Arrest location
- Zapopan, Jalisco
- Other people detained
- 19
- Alleged cartel cell
- Los Rs, a Jalisco New Generation Cartel cell
- Warrant in Mexico
- Aggravated homicide
- Warrant concerning the United States
- Arrest warrant for extradition to the United States
5 sources
Mexico captures alleged cartel cell leader in operation aided by DEA intelligence
DEA aplaude a México la captura de Rafael Álvarez Ayala, alias el "R2", operador clave del CJNG
Detienen a ‘R2’ en Zapopan: Lo vinculan con el asesinato de Carlos Manzo
Cae en Jalisco Rafael Álvarez, alias "R2", presunto líder de "Los Rs" del CJNG; resulta herido durante enfrentamiento
What people are saying
This cell is mainly linked to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, illegal deprivation of liberty, kidnapping and attacks against authorities
Sedena and CNI managed to detain this dangerous cartel leader
Criminal organizations operate across borders
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En Zapopan, Jalisco, en una operación encabezada por @SEMAR_mx, a través de la Unidad Naval de Operaciones Especiales (UNOPES), y de @SSPCMexico, con apoyo de Fuerzas Especiales del Ejército Mexicano de @Defensamx1, detuvo a Rafael “N”, alias “R2”, identificado como un