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In a significant development within Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the military has apprehended a prominent cartel leader believed to be the likely successor to the infamous “El Mencho.” This operation marks a crucial moment in the fight against organized crime, targeting one of the most powerful criminal organisations in the country.
Capture of a Key Figure
The Mexican armed forces executed a meticulously planned operation that culminated in the arrest of José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, widely recognised by his alias, “El Marro.” Authorities credit this capture as a pivotal step in dismantling the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has been at the forefront of violent drug-related activities across the nation. The operation took place in the western state of Michoacán, an area notorious for cartel influence and conflict.
El Mencho, the leader of the CJNG, has been on the run for several years, with authorities offering a substantial reward of up to £9 million for information leading to his capture. The arrest of Yépez Ortiz poses a significant disruption to the cartel’s hierarchy, as it