On April 27, Security and Citizen Protection Secretary Omar García Harfuch announced the arrest of Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero,” identified as one of the top leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The secretary himself said the property where Flores Silva was captured featured horse stables, a charro arena, and was located far from urban centers.
Some of the characteristics of the property included:
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- El Mirador ranch
- Located 120 kilometers from Tepic and approximately 15 kilometers from the town of Huajimic
- Between 20 and 30 pickup trucks on the property
- A charro arena and horse stables
The arrest took place in the state of Nayarit during an operation coordinated by Mexico’s Navy Ministry (Semar), following 19 months of intelligence work and surveillance carried out in collaboration with U.S. agencies.
The official explained that the suspect has an outstanding arrest warrant in Mexico and is also wanted by U.S. authorities for extradition purposes. The U.S. government had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
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Flores Silva, 45, has been identified by U.S. authorities as a key CJNG operative. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, he controlled large areas along Mexico’s Pacific coast, particularly in Nayarit.
He is accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as operating clandestine drug laboratories. He also faces charges related to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and firearms offenses.
Investigations have also identified him as the head of security for Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” founder of the CJNG.
“El Jardinero” Was Seen as “El Mencho’s” Successor
Following the death of “El Mencho” in a military operation two months earlier, security experts identified “El Jardinero” as part of the leadership group that took control of the CJNG.
His arrest represents a significant blow to the criminal organization’s structure amid an internal power struggle over leadership of the cartel.
After the operation, the government of Nayarit reported a series of road blockades and violent incidents in different parts of the state.
State authorities urged residents to remain in their homes, avoid traveling, and stay informed through official channels in order to reduce risks stemming from possible retaliation by organized crime groups.
CJNG Background
According to Mexican authorities, Flores Silva controlled a broad logistics network for drug trafficking that included methamphetamine laboratories, clandestine airstrips, small aircraft, and ground transportation.
These operations enabled drugs to be moved from Central America into Mexico and later into the United States, with operations reaching states such as California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Washington, and Virginia.
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