Mexican Authorities Arrest Alleged Jalisco Cartel Plaza Boss 'El Rhino' in Michoacán

Local authorities in the Mexican state of Michoacán arrested the alleged plaza boss for the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the municipality of Uruapan on Aug. 27, a region long contested by drug trafficking groups.

The alleged CJNG plaza boss in Uruapan was identified as René Belmonte Aguilar, also known as "El Rhino," who allegedly operates in the eastern part of the state and is wanted for extortion, kidnapping and homicide

In a video posted on Facebook, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo confirmed the arrest of the plaza boss and one of his personal guards, adding that the city is currently under "red code" alert. He also called on federal authorities, including the army, navy and National Guard, to assist in maintaining peace in the region in case criminal groups attempt retaliatory attacks.

According to Milenio, the arrest took place along the Uruapan–San Juan Nuevo highway following an inspection by municipal police. During the inspection, local authorities confiscated a firearm, ammunition, drugs, cash and a drone with satellite connectivity.

Manzo said El Rhino is considered one of the main generators of violence in the region. In the video posted to his official Facebook page, he urged residents to take precautions.

"There are armed individuals surrounding the municipality of Uruapan, trying to enter, burn vehicles and free these people. Avoid going out until the red code alert is lifted," Manzo said.

Manzo also emphasized that the Uruapan government does not collaborate with criminal groups.

"The government of Uruapan has no ties to any criminal organization. We will act to protect the people and will not allow any group to harm the social peace of Uruapan," he added.

Just last month, Mexican authorities arrested several members of the Jalisco cartel in the state of Aguascalientes, prompting a wave of violence as residents experienced roadblocks, burned vehicles and attacks on businesses. The unrest was reportedly an attempt by cartel members to secure the release of those detained.

Uruapan is Michoacán's second-largest economic hub, behind only the capital, Morelia. behind only the capital, Morelia. Its location is key to drug trafficking, as it connects the Tierra Caliente region, a geographic area in southern Mexico with smuggling routes leading to the Pacific.

The city is also known as the avocado capital of the world, a billion-dollar industry where cartels extort growers, charge protection fees and control orchards to fund their operations, according to Milenio.

According to reports, several criminal organizations operate in Uruapan, including the Jalisco cartel, the Knights Templar, Los Viagras, Blancos de Troya and Cárteles Unidos.

These criminal groups compete for control of drug production, particularly methamphetamine, as well as the extortion of business owners, avocado producers, merchants and transporters, among other illicit activities.