The lucrative avocado business in western Mexico has long been shadowed by threats, extortion and cartel violence. In one of the latest developments in the region’s fight against organised crime, Mexican authorities have arrested an alleged drug cartel leader wanted in the United States, along with 19 other people, in an operation aided by intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The main suspect, Rafael “N”, known by the alias “R2”, is accused of leading a faction of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and has allegedly been linked to the killing of a local mayor who had spoken out against organised crime, as well as the extortion of avocado producers.According to Reuters, the operation took place in Zapopan, in the western state of Jalisco, on November 8. Mexico’s Navy said its special operations unit carried out the operation in coordination with the country’s security ministry, following intelligence work by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and information shared by the DEA. Nineteen other people were detained alongside R2.The arrest is significant because the suspect was allegedly a key figure in the “Los Rs” criminal faction, which operates across Jalisco and neighbouring Michoacan. Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said the group was involved in extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, unlawful detention and attacks on security personnel. Its alleged victims included business owners and avocado producers.
Shootout during arrest operation
The arrest was not without violence. According to Mexico’s Navy, its personnel came under armed attack during the operation and returned fire. R2 and one naval officer were wounded in the exchange and received medical attention. Authorities said the situation was brought under control.R2 had an outstanding arrest warrant in Mexico for aggravated homicide, as well as an arrest warrant connected to his extradition to the United States, Garcia Harfuch said. The DEA separately confirmed that he was wanted in the US on federal charges involving drug trafficking and firearms.Mexican authorities generally withhold the full surnames of criminal suspects in their official announcements, identifying them by their first name followed by “N”. Consequently, the Navy’s announcement identified the arrested man as Rafael “N”, alias R2.
Why is the suspect linked to a mayor’s murder?
One of the most serious allegations against R2 concerns the November 2025 killing of Carlos Manzo, the former mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan. The politician was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead celebration on November 1, while attending festivities with his family. Manzo, 40, had become known for openly challenging organised crime and demanding stronger action against the cartels operating in his municipality. Uruapan is a major centre of Mexico’s avocado industry, and the surrounding region has repeatedly faced violence linked to criminal groups seeking control over agricultural businesses and transport networks.His killing shocked the country, particularly because it took place during a public celebration. A 17-year-old gunman shot Manzo, who later died in hospital. The attacker was subsequently killed by the mayor’s security detail. Investigators believed other people had helped plan and facilitate the assassination.The investigation has since led to several arrests. In July 2026, Mexican authorities arrested another alleged Los Rs leader, Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, known as R1. Officials identified him as a suspected mastermind behind Manzo’s assassination. R2’s arrest is a separate development in the investigation and the wider crackdown on the faction. Following her husband’s death, Manzo’s wife, Grecia Quiroz, took over as mayor of Uruapan, pledging to continue his fight against organised crime.
How avocado producers became cartel targets
The allegations against Los Rs also draw attention to the criminal networks operating around Mexico’s valuable avocado industry. Michoacan is one of the country’s leading avocado-producing states, supplying domestic consumers as well as international markets. However, the industry’s economic importance has made growers, transporters, traders and other businesses targets for organised crime.Cartels have allegedly used extortion, commonly referred to in Mexico as charging protection money, to extract payments from agricultural producers and businesses. Those who refuse to pay can face threats, kidnappings and violence. The criminal groups also seek influence over transportation routes and the movement of agricultural produce.Garcia Harfuch specifically identified avocado producers and business owners among the alleged victims of Los Rs. The group is also accused of involvement in drug trafficking, kidnappings and attacks on authorities across Jalisco and Michoacan.The pressure on agricultural communities has become a wider security concern. In October 2025, Bernardo Bravo, a prominent leader representing lemon producers in Michoacan, was also murdered. His killing highlighted the risks faced by agricultural leaders who speak out against extortion and organised crime.
A wider crackdown on the cartel network
The latest arrest comes amid an ongoing campaign by Mexican authorities against the CJNG, one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations. Its operations extend across several Mexican states, with networks involved in drug trafficking, extortion and violence.The DEA’s intelligence contribution to the Zapopan operation also highlights cooperation between Mexican and US authorities in targeting suspects accused of operating across borders. While Mexican investigators are pursuing the homicide allegations and domestic criminal charges, R2 is also wanted in the US on federal drug and firearms charges.
