Overview
- Federal forces detained Iván Cazarín Molina, known as “El Tanque”, in Zapopan during an operation on October 5 and seized a vehicle, a firearm and drugs.
- Authorities say he is a presumed regional CJNG operator active in Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Puebla and link him to homicide, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking and a 2015 helicopter attack.
- Officials described the capture as the result of a coordinated effort by SEDENA, the SSPC, the Guardia Nacional, the CNI and investigative units that drew on information from prior U.S. OFAC designations and DEA cooperation.
- Cazarín Molina was turned over to the Fiscalía Especializada en Materia de Delincuencia Organizada (FEMDO) for legal processing as prosecutors probe alleged money‑laundering and huachicol (fuel‑theft) networks tied to companies identified by U.S. investigators.
- Press investigations have renewed allegations of contacts between “El Tanque” and businessmen Amílcar and Luis Alberto Olán, and President Claudia Sheinbaum has said the FGR must confirm any official links.