Over 15 Arrested In Operation Targeting Cell Led By Former Jalisco Cartel Leader 'El Primo'

In a joint operation in the Mexican state of Michoacán, state and federal forces arrested 17 individuals allegedly linked to a former Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) ringleader.

According to local press, intelligence and operational efforts by the Mexican Defense Secretariat (Defensa) and the Michoacán Attorney General's Office led to the dismantling of the cell, which allegedly operates under the command of Alan Martínez Durán, also known as "El Primo" or "Comandante X."

Authorities also confiscated 14 high-powered firearms, a vehicle, three fragmentation grenades, three grenade launcher attachments and tactical gear used by the criminal group.

Who is "El Primo?"

According to multiple media reports, Martínez Durán has a long history with organized crime. He was once a close associate of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco Cartel. During his time with the CJNG, Martínez Durán allegedly oversaw operations in western Michoacán.

As reported by La Silla Rota, Martínez Durán, known as "El Primo," broke away from the CJNG in 2022, triggering a bloody internal conflict in Michoacán. The outlet reported that the cartel sent William Edwin Rivera Padilla, known as "El Barbas," to eliminate him.

Since then, Martínez Durán's criminal cell and CJNG forces have been locked in a violent feud that has resulted in numerous killings, vehicle burnings and attacks on law enforcement.

Martínez Durán was also targeted by La Familia Michoacana and its allied faction, Los Correa, which attempted to assassinate him during an attack on a cockfighting arena in Zinapécuaro in March 2021, an incident that left 20 people dead.

Despite its smaller size, the group led by Martínez Durán is believed to be responsible for a spike in violent crimes across the municipalities of Ciudad Hidalgo, Morelia, Zinapécuaro and Queréndaro, making it a key target for state and federal security forces.

Since November 2024, at least four attacks against local law enforcement have been reported in the region. The most recent occurred in February, when alleged members of Martínez Durán's group ambushed municipal police officers in Queréndaro, killing three and injuring two others.