Mexican forces have arrested Rafael Alvarez in Zapopan, where authorities allege he led a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The operation drew on intelligence shared by the United States. Officials say Alvarez was wounded and other suspects were detained; he faces warrants linked to homicide and extradition to the United States.
Mexican forces arrested Rafael Alvarez, known as R2, in Zapopan on November 8. Authorities suspect him of leading Los Rs, a cell of the Mexican criminal organisation Jalisco New Generation Cartel.[1], [2]
Zapopan lies in Jalisco state within the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said Alvarez was wounded in a shootout during the operation and was receiving medical treatment. Another 19 people were detained.[1]
Mexico’s Navy said intelligence provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the federal agency combating drug trafficking, helped locate Alvarez. Mexico’s National Intelligence Center also took part in the intelligence work and operation. Harfuch said the suspect had an outstanding Mexican arrest warrant for aggravated homicide and another warrant for extradition to the United States. No completed extradition was announced.[1]
Harfuch accused the Los Rs cell of involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, unlawful detention, kidnapping and attacks on authorities. He said business owners and avocado producers were among the alleged extortion victims. These remain official allegations. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel operates in Jalisco and Michoacan and competes with the Sinaloa Cartel in moving drugs to the United States. The US government designated the organisation a foreign terrorist organisation in 2025.[1]
