The facts
The Navy said Rafael “N,” alias “R2,” was arrested in Zapopan on 8 November as an alleged leader of the Los Rs cell linked to CJNG; 19 other people were detained. [1][2][3]
Reuters reported that Navy special operations forces acted with Mexico’s security ministry after National Intelligence Center work and information shared by the U.S. DEA. [1][3]
N+ reported that R2 and one naval officer were wounded in an armed exchange during the operation; it reported no other residents were injured. [2][3]
Authorities said R2 had an outstanding Mexican warrant for aggravated homicide and a separate warrant for extradition to the United States. [1][2][3]
The Navy alleges R2 is linked to the 1 November 2025 killing of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo; no guilt finding or extradition is reported. [1][2][3]
Security officials describe the cell as linked to extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, kidnapping, unlawful detention and attacks on authorities; the accusations remain attributed. [1][2][3]
Still unconfirmed
- The identities and legal status of the other 19 detainees and their alleged relationships to the cell were not established.
- No court outcome, extradition or finding of guilt for R2 is reported.
- The alleged link to Carlos Manzo’s killing remains an official allegation.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 9 Nov 2026, 09:04 UTC.
The official Michoacán government notice was located but repeatedly returned HTTP 502 when opened, so it is not used as an opened primary-source citation. Reuters, N+ and EL PAÍS independently report the capture and quote Mexican authorities. The reporting uses the official Rafael “N” identification; allegations and warrants are not findings of guilt.
- Mexico captures alleged cartel cell leader in operation aided by DEA intelligence
Reuters via Investing.com · Reporting · 8 Nov 2026
Opened Reuters report. Mexican authorities said the Navy captured Rafael “N,” alias R2, in Zapopan with 19 others, using National Intelligence Center work and intelligence shared by the DEA; reported warrants and the alleged link to Carlos Manzo’s killing remain attributed.
- Capturan en Zapopan al 'R2', Mando de 'Los Rs', Célula del CJNG
N+ · Reporting · 8 Nov 2026
Opened local reporting dated 8 November. It describes the operation and injuries and says the identities and legal status of the other 19 detainees were not known at publication.
- Nuevo golpe al Cartel Jalisco: cae en Zapopan ‘El R-2′, vinculado al asesinato de Carlos Manzo
EL PAÍS México · Reporting · 9 Nov 2026
Opened 9 November report. It quotes the Navy and security secretary on the operation, warrants, reported cell activity and alleged link; these remain allegations, not findings of guilt.