The Mexican Executive has communicated this Saturday the capture of the highest responsible of the Cártel de Los Reyes, for whose location the United States had set a reward of up to five million dollars (more than 4.3 million euros). The operation has triggered roadblocks and violent episodes in several points of the state of Michoacán, the main area of operation of this criminal group.
The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of Mexico, Omar García Harfuch, has confirmed on his social networks the detention of Alfonso Fernández Magallón, alias 'Poncho', considered the leader of the Cártel de Los Reyes and against whom there is an arrest warrant "for the crimes of illegal deprivation of liberty and riot".
According to the newspaper 'El Sol de México', it is still unclear whether 'Poncho' will be prosecuted in Mexican courts or if he will ultimately be handed over to U.S. justice. The State Department has maintained since August of last year a reward of more than 4.3 million euros for leads that would lead to his capture. In addition, the Department of the Treasury has sanctioned him for his ties to Cárteles Unidos, a Mexican criminal network involved in drug and arms trafficking and money laundering.
Following his arrest, violent incidents have been recorded, with blocked roads and vehicles set on fire in different enclaves of the municipalities of Los Reyes and Peribán, in Michoacán. Mexican authorities attribute these actions to members of the Cártel de Los Reyes. "The security cabinet guarantees the security of the State," García has pointed out.