The Mexican Navy said it arrested a man it identified as Rafael “N,” an alleged leader of a Jalisco New Generation Cartel faction, after domestic intelligence work and information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The Navy identified the suspect as Rafael “N,” alias “R2.” Its special operations unit conducted the operation in Zapopan, Jalisco, in coordination with the security ministry. Before the operation, Mexico’s National Intelligence Center had conducted intelligence work and the DEA had shared information, the Navy said. Authorities also detained 19 other people.
Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said Rafael held a leadership role in “Los Rs,” a cartel faction operating in Jalisco and Michoacan. Harfuch said the group’s alleged activities include drug trafficking and violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping and unlawful detention, along with attacks on authorities and extortion. He said people who run businesses and produce avocados had been extortion targets.
The Navy said its personnel returned fire after coming under armed attack during the operation. Rafael and one naval officer were wounded and were receiving medical attention, the Navy said.
The Navy also said Rafael was allegedly connected to the killing of Carlos Manzo, Uruapan’s former mayor. Manzo was killed by gunfire at a Day of the Dead gathering attended by his family on Nov. 1, 2025.
The DEA said R2 was wanted in the United States on federal charges involving drugs and firearms. Harfuch said Rafael had a Mexican arrest warrant for aggravated homicide and another warrant related to extradition to the United States.
