Mexico arrests two cartel leaders in Yucatán and Nayarit

Mexican security forces arrested two top cartel leaders in coordinated operations, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed on July 23. Héctor Manuel “Kado”, a leader of the Arellano Félix cartel, was captured in Valladolid, Yucatán, while Óscar “El Chino Payaso”, an alleged CJNG operator, was detained in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit Source: Excélsior, Milenio.

The arrests

“Kado” was taken into custody by the Navy (Semar), SSPC, FGR, and the National Intelligence Center, with intelligence from U.S. agencies Source: Infobae. In Nayarit, the Army (Defensa), SSPC, FGR, and Fuerza Civil executed search warrants leading to “El Chino Payaso”’s arrest after months of intelligence work Source: El Heraldo. Authorities seized ammunition and documents at the Nayarit property Source: El Heraldo.

The suspects

• Héctor Manuel “Kado” is accused of coordinating drug trafficking to the U.S., extortion, and homicides in Baja California, and is linked to the Arellano Félix organization Source: Excélsior, Milenio. He was reportedly involved in a dispute with a Sinaloa cartel faction Source: EFE.
• Óscar “El Chino Payaso” is described as a main generator of violence in Nuevo León, responsible for drug distribution, arms trafficking, money laundering, and attacks on authorities Source: Infobae, Milenio. He reportedly led a cell called “Los Totoys” Source: Milenio.

What's next

Both arrests are expected to reduce violence in their regions, according to the security cabinet Source: Milenio. The investigations continue.