Mexico City, Mexico - Mexican authorities on Sunday announced the arrest of a regional leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's two main criminal groups.

The CJNG was designated a "foreign terrorist organization" by the US 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 US, but since the death of its founder, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in February, several of its top leaders have been apprehended.

The latest suspect to be arrested is Rafael Alvarez, known by the alias "R2," who allegedly headed a cell linked to homicides, drug trafficking, and extortion of avocado industry entrepreneurs. The drug gang operates in the states of Jalisco and Michoacan.

Mexico Mexico confirms police shot American girl dead in cartel chase

Alvarez is also thought to be linked to the killing a year ago of Carlos Manzo, a popular mayor who confronted organized crime.

The kingpin was wounded in a shootout that broke out during the operation to capture him and is currently receiving medical care, Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said on X.

The trafficker was located thanks to information shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Harfuch confirmed. An additional 19 arrests were made during the raid.

"He is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated homicide, issued by the First Criminal Court of Apatzingán, Michoacán, as well as an arrest warrant for extradition to the United States," he wrote.

"This cell is primarily involved in extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, unlawful deprivation of liberty, kidnapping, and attacks on authorities. Its extortion victims include business owners and avocado producers."

"An armed confrontation took place during the operation, in which 'R2' was injured and is receiving medical attention. This information is preliminary and will be updated as the investigations progress."