Mexican special forces stormed and arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as "El Jardinero," a senior commander of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, in a hut deep in the forest. He is regarded as a key figure wielding more influence than "El Mencho," the former group leader who was previously killed in a police operation. Meanwhile, the United States plans to request his extradition.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security, announced that special forces successfully captured Audias Flores Silva, alias "El Jardinero," one of the highest-ranking commanders of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) in the western state of Nayarit.
The operation was conducted by the Mexican Navy, which tracked Flores Silva's activities for 19 months, deploying over 500 personnel, six helicopters, and several support aircraft. Authorities surrounded a hut in El Mirador, located about 20 kilometers north of the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
Reports indicated Flores Silva was heavily guarded by more than 30 pickup trucks and over 60 gunmen surrounding the area. As officials closed in, the armed men attempted to scatter to divert attention, but authorities managed to capture Flores Silva while he tried to hide in a drainage ditch. The Navy described the arrest as "a precise operation with not a single drop of blood spilled."
Flores Silva was positioned to succeed Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," the former cartel leader who was killed by authorities in a shootout last February.
Carlos Olivo, a former senior official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), commented that Flores Silva’s arrest "will impact the CJNG’s operations even more than the elimination of El Mencho," as Flores Silva controlled the network of drug laboratories, smuggling routes, and distribution channels throughout the Pacific coast and into the United States.
This crackdown occurs amid intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened unilateral military action if Mexico failed to decisively address drug trafficking. Flores Silva is currently wanted by U.S. authorities, with a reward of up to 5 million U.S. dollars (approximately 180 million Thai baht) for charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin.
Additionally, on the same day, Mexican authorities arrested César Alejandro, alias "El Guero Conta," believed to be a key figure in laundering money for Flores Silva.
This success marks a significant step forward for Mexico in enhancing security ahead of co-hosting the upcoming summer FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, as the world closely watches the country's safety situation.