Overview
- Federal forces led by Mexico’s navy and the federal security ministry captured Rafael “El R2” in Zapopan on Sunday and detained 19 other people during the operation.
- An armed confrontation left El R2 and at least one naval officer wounded; both received medical attention and authorities say the situation is under control.
- Mexican officials identify El R2 as a principal commander of “Los Rs,” a CJNG-linked cell accused of extortion, drug trafficking, kidnappings and homicide, and linked by the navy to the killing of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo.
- Authorities credit the arrest to Centro Nacional de Inteligencia work paired with information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and El R2 also faces a prior U.S. federal indictment alleging drug-trafficking offenses.
- Investigations are ongoing: officials have not released the identities or roles of the 19 detainees, Mexican prosecutors must process domestic homicide and other charges, and any U.S. extradition would follow legal procedures rather than being automatic.