Mexican security forces arrested Rafael Álvarez, known as “R2,” and 19 others in Zapopan, while officials identified him as an alleged senior member of a Jalisco cartel cell linked to extortion, killings and drug trafficking.
Authorities said the arrest took place on Sunday, November 8, in Zapopan, near Guadalajara. They said it followed intelligence work by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and information shared by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Mexico’s security minister said Álvarez was wounded in a shootout during the operation and taken for medical treatment.
Officials say the “Los Rs” cell operates in Jalisco and Michoacán. They also link it to kidnapping, illegally holding people and attacks on authorities. Officials said the group extorted business owners and avocado producers.
Officials said Álvarez has an outstanding Mexican arrest warrant for aggravated homicide. They also said a separate warrant seeks to have him sent to the United States. In August, a U.S. grand jury formally charged Álvarez and his brother with allegedly conspiring to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine.
The indictment also accused them of possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking; the charges remain allegations. Mexican officials have also linked Álvarez to at least 19 killings, including the 2025 murder of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo.