Mexico arrests two major cartel leaders, including alleged El Mencho heir known as “The Gardener.”

MEXICO CITY, April 28 — Mexican authorities on Monday announced the arrest of two high-profile cartel figures, including a close associate of slain Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, who is believed to be a potential successor.

El Mencho was reported killed in February after being wounded in a clash with Mexican troops in Jalisco, sparking widespread violence including highway blockades and gunfights that left more than 70 people dead.

Security analyst David Saucedo said Audias Flores Silva — known as “The Gardener” (El Jardinero) — had served as El Mencho’s right-hand man and was considered a key contender to take over the cartel.

He was also reportedly involved in brokering an alliance between the CJNG and the “Chapitos,” a faction of the Sinaloa cartel linked to the family of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, according to intelligence sources cited by Saucedo.

Flores Silva was captured by Mexican navy special forces in the western state of Nayarit, Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said, adding that he is wanted by US authorities for possible extradition.

In a separate operation, authorities in Tamaulipas detained another suspect identified as Alexander “N,” believed to be a member of a criminal group operating near the US-Mexico border.

His arrest triggered at least eight highway blockades around Reynosa, though officials said control was quickly restored and no injuries were reported.

Local media identified the suspect as Alexander Benavides Flores, also known as “R9,” a leader of the Los Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel, which has weakened in recent years following multiple arrests of its top figures.

Reynosa, a city of about 690,000 people, lies across the border from McAllen, Texas.

The crackdown comes amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify efforts against organised crime, though she has rejected proposals for US military intervention such as drone strikes or troop deployments. — AFP