High-Ranking Jalisco Cartel Figure 'El Jardinero' Arrested at Nayarit Ranch Without Shots Fired

Mexican authorities delivered another major blow to the leadership structure of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with the capture of Audias Flores Silva, also known as "El Jardinero," one of the cartel's most powerful figures and the alleged right-hand man of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the CJNG's leader who died in February.

The arrest took place in Nayarit and was confirmed Monday, April 27, by Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, who said Flores Silva was wanted in Mexico and by U.S. authorities for extradition.

El Jardinero was arrested during an operation targeting his ranch in Nayarit, a large property authorities believe functioned as both an operations center and a safe house. The site included a warehouse, a vehicle storage area and a loading zone, suggesting constant movement on the property.

Flores Silva tried to evade federal forces during the raid by hiding in a drainage conduit, using the property's infrastructure to his advantage, according to official reports.

Mexican media reported that his security detail, about 60 men and 30 vehicles, scattered once they detected the Navy's operation, which deployed 120 agents at the Nayarit ranch along with four helicopters and intelligence aircraft. According to reports, the operation was swift and precise, with no shots fired.

As is often the case when a high-ranking cartel figure is captured, Flores Silva's arrest triggered roadblocks and arson attacks across parts of western Mexico.

In Tecuala, Nayarit, authorities confirmed the burning of a warehouse, three stores and two other businesses. In both Tecuala and Acaponeta, roadblocks were also reported at key points along the highway connecting the state capital, Tepic, with Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

Another wave of reprisals was reported in the southern tip of Nayarit, near the border with Jalisco. Authorities reported blockades along Federal Highway 15 near Ahuacatlán, Copales, Ixtlán del Río and Jala, areas authorities say Flores Silva commonly used to produce illicit drugs.

The capture comes at a critical moment for the CJNG. El Mencho, founder of the cartel, was killed in February during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, a blow that triggered violence and opened a succession struggle within one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.

Following El Mencho's death, Flores Silva had emerged as a potential successor due to his senior role within the organization.

According to U.S. authorities, who had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction, El Jardinero controlled clandestine labs in Nayarit and Jalisco used to produce methamphetamine and other drugs trafficked to the United States. Authorities have not yet confirmed if and when formal extradition proceedings could begin.