Authorities Capture “El Jardinero,” Alleged CJNG Leader

• “El Jardinero” Arrested
• CJNG Loses Alleged Leader
• Key Operation in Nayarit

The capture of a suspected high-ranking member of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación comes at a critical moment following the death of its historic leader, which could impact the group’s internal structure.

The arrest also has international implications due to an extradition request from United States, making the El Jardinero CJNG arrest Mexico a significant development.

Alleged CJNG Successor Captured in Nayarit

In a planned, developed, and executed operation by the Mexican Navy, Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero,” was arrested in Nayarit. He has an arrest warrant in Mexico and is also wanted by U.S. authorities… pic.twitter.com/5jqtX53Rzn

— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) April 27, 2026

According to EFE, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, announced the arrest of Audias Flores Silva, known as “El Jardinero.”

U.S. authorities identify him as one of the leaders of the CJNG.

The U.S. government had offered a $5 million reward for his capture.

The arrest took place in Nayarit, a region with strong cartel presence.

According to authorities, Flores Silva has an active arrest warrant in Mexico.

He is also wanted by the United States for extradition.

The operation was planned and carried out by the Secretaría de Marina.

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The announcement was made through an official social media message.

The arrest comes just two months after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

The detainee was considered one of the possible successors within the cartel.

Authorities Link “El Jardinero” to Drug Trafficking and Territorial Control

Audias Flores Silva, 45, has been identified as a regional leader of the CJNG.

In 2021, the U.S. government included him in a sanctions package.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, he controlled large areas of Mexico’s Pacific region, including Nayarit.

He has also been linked to trafficking large quantities of opioids and cocaine.

Reports cited by media identify him as head of security for “El Mencho.”

He was also charged in the United States with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin.

Those charges include firearm-related offenses.

In June 2025, he was sanctioned again as part of CJNG’s senior leadership.

At that time, he was linked to the operation of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories.

Following the cartel leader’s death, analysts placed him among those taking control—making the El Jardinero CJNG arrest in Mexico especially relevant.

Separate Operation Leads to Arrest of Gulf Cartel Leader

In a parallel action, authorities also reported the arrest of Alexander “N,” alias “Metro 9.”

The arrest occurred in Reynosa, in the border state of Tamaulipas.

He is identified as a leader of a faction of the Cártel del Golfo.

He is considered head of the criminal group known as “Los Metros.”

Authorities classified him as a high-priority target.

The operation was carried out by federal agents at a residence in the region.

Following the arrest, organized crime groups responded with road blockades and fires.

This group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Both arrests reflect recent actions by security forces against criminal structures.

The operations took place in regions with a strong presence of organized crime groups.

Authorities continue coordinated actions across different parts of the country.

The El Jardinero CJNG arrest highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle cartel leadership and could influence the balance of power within these organizations.