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Mexico Arrests ‘El Pantano’ in Killing of Lemon Growers’ Leader in Apatzingán

Authorities say the detainee led extortion, using forged IDs to access growers’ groups.

Overview

  • Federal and state forces detained Rigoberto López Mendoza, alias El Pantano, presented as a suspect in the homicide of Bernardo Bravo and in extortion targeting citrus producers in Michoacán.
  • Security officials reported seizing multiple IDs from the suspect, including a credential from the Association of Citricultores del Valle de Apatzingán and false driver’s licenses, indicating criminal infiltration of producer organizations.
  • Investigators linked López Mendoza to Los Blancos de Troya with ties to Los Viagras and CJNG, and said he faces charges including homicide, extortion and organized‑crime association.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum said there ‘has to be justice’ and stated the national security cabinet is supporting Michoacán’s prosecutors as coordinated investigations continue.
  • The Michoacán attorney general said Bravo had escorts and an armored vehicle assigned but was found in his own car, with forensics indicating he was killed elsewhere hours earlier; a public funeral drew hundreds, and other detentions were reported but not confirmed as directly related, while in Peru lawmakers pressed ministers on an anti‑extortion transport bill.