Mexican Military Captures Top Jalisco Cartel Commander Audias Flores 'El Jardinero'

Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as 'El Jardinero', a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel commander sought by US authorities with a 5 million dollar reward, finding him hiding in a drainage ditch near Puerto Vallarta in Nayarit. The operation involved over 500 troops, six helicopters, and several planes following months of surveillance with US intelligence support, capturing Flores without firing a shot despite protection from 60 gunmen. Flores controlled drug laboratories, smuggling routes, and distribution networks along Mexico's Pacific coast and was considered a potential successor to cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera 'El Mencho', who was killed in February. The arrest comes amid diplomatic tensions after two CIA agents and two Mexican officials died in a Chihuahua car crash following an anti-narcotics operation, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum to warn against unauthorized US covert operations on Mexican soil.

Arrest of Jalisco Cartel Commander 'El Jardinero' and Financial Operator

• ▪Audias Flores was being protected by a perimeter of approximately 30 pick-up trucks and more than 60 gunmen.
• ▪Audias Flores has an arrest warrant in Mexico and is sought by United States authorities for extradition purposes.
• ▪Cesar Alejandro 'N', alias 'El Guero Conta', is accused of acquiring aircraft, vessels, houses, ranches, and investing in tequila production companies.
• ▪Cesar Alejandro 'N', alias 'El Guero Conta', was arrested in a joint security operation in Zapopan on Monday evening.
• ▪Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho', was killed by security forces in February.
• ▪The arrest operation of Audias Flores followed months of surveillance and involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters and several planes.
• ▪Audias Flores was considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho', who ran the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
• ▪Mexican special forces surrounded a cabin in El Mirador, approximately 20 kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta, where Audias Flores was located.
• ▪The US government offered a reward of 5 million dollars for the capture of Audias Flores.
• ▪Cesar Alejandro 'N', alias 'El Guero Conta', is accused of laundering funds from illicit activities through companies and frontmen.
• ▪Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as 'El Jardinero', a top commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Tensions Over Unauthorized CIA Operations in Mexico

• ▪Two Mexican officials died in the car crash along with the CIA agents on April 19.
• ▪Chihuahua Governor Maria Eugenia Campos has been called to testify in Mexico City on Tuesday regarding the circumstances of the CIA agents' presence in the country.
• ▪Chihuahua is governed by the conservative National Action Party (PAN), the largest party in opposition to Claudia Sheinbaum's left-leaning Morena.

Perspective of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

• ▪The Mexican government under Claudia Sheinbaum demands that Washington not repeat covert operations without authorization.

Perspective of United States authorities

• ▪US authorities seek to extradite Audias Flores to face criminal charges in the United States.
• ▪US authorities view Audias Flores as a high-value target warranting a 5 million dollar reward.

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