Nuevo Laredo: U.N. sees federal forces connection in wave of disappearances

Chivis Martinez Borderland Beat...Republished from Reuters   Thanks again Tu Fren

Citizens have been reporting this for months: 

The U.N. human rights office has “strong indications” that Mexican federal security forces are behind a wave of disappearances in and around the city of Nuevo Laredo, a statement from the U.N. human rights chief said on Wednesday.

Mexican officials did not immediately respond to the UN allegations.

The U.N. has documented the disappearance of 21 men and two women in Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas State from February until May 16 this year, the statement from U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said.

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Tamaulipas: Another journalist has been killed in Mexico — the sixth this year

Posted by El Profe for Borderland Beat from The LA Times

Beaten to death

       

                     

As a reporter for the Mexican newspaper Excelsior, Hector Gonzalez Antonio frequently chronicled the violence engulfing his home state of Tamaulipas.

Recent topics included one shootout that interrupted an Easter parade, another that killed six innocent bystanders and a group of people searching for disappeared loved ones. In January, Gonzalez wrote about the killing of a Tamaulipas journalist who was stabbed to death while waiting with his family at a stoplight.

This week, Gonzalez became another victim of what he once described as "the crisis of insecurity" in Tamaulipas. His corpse was found Tuesday on a dirt road in the state capital, Ciudad Victoria. He had been bludgeoned to death, according to the state prosecutor's office, which has not discussed possible motives.

Warning: Graphic foto on second page

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Latin America must make drugs legal to stop killings, says United Nations chief

Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat...Republished from Newsweek

"Who would drug legalization be good for? Latin America and the Caribbean, for God’s sake. Because the illegality is what’s killing people,”

"Stop the Drug War" ...Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico

C

ountries in Latin America should consider legalizing drugs to ease the human cost linked to the deadly trade, a United Nations chief has said.

Alicia Bárcena, who heads the Santiago, Chile-based Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, said that countries in the region needed to look at drastic measures to tackle the trade, which kills tens of thousands of people each year. “It’s time to seriously consider legalizing drugs,” she told a Latin America forum in Paris, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

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The secrets of El Rana in the assassination of the Cardinal

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Zetatijuana article

Subject Matter: Humberto Rodriguez Banuelos, Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo, Cartel Arellano Felix
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required


The death of Humberto Rodríguez Bañuelos, leader of assassins of the Arellano Félix Cartel in Jalisco, diluted the possibility of knowing the historical truth of the murder of Cardinal Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo. "La Rana" ensured that if there was a brave lawyer to defend him, he would tell everything he knew. In March 2001 he was presumed dead after a shooting with the Municipal Police of Tijuana; in the Forensic Medical Service, they realized that he was alive. He spent almost four months in the La Mesa prison with a false identity. He died of a heart attack in January at the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara from hypertension

Reporter: Luis Carlos Sainz
Just turned 16 years and 10 months, of the 25 that he received of a sentence handed down by a criminal judge in Guadalajara- for a double homicide, plus another important amount of time in prison for another twenty murders, among them, that of Cardinal Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo in 1993.

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CJNG: El Abuelo..free again, 5th time catch and release, "illegal detention" says court

Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat

I think we should rename this guy....  “El Houdini”.  

Juan José Farías, alias 'El Abuelo”, who the government says is a lieutenant in C.J.N.G. was arrested/detained last Sunday.  I am writing a post about his history of evading justice since 1998 with four arrests and four releases without conviction.  In one arrest he had 127 kilos of mota with him, yet he was released.

And now..he is once again released after spending three days in prison.   I will have to change the title of my post from four arrests to five catch and release arrests.

Farias was released this morning after the court ruled the Attorney General's Office only proved the crime of illegal possession of a weapon, and not the other two charges of drug trafficking and malicious homicide.

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The US Treasury Department ended El Mencho's wife's days of peace

Translated by El Profe for Borderland Beat from Proceso                     
     
                      

MEXICO CITY (APR) - An April 8, 2015 accusation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury ended Rosalinda González Valencia's peace of mind, who maintained her freedom through amparo protections.

The wife of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho,” knew that she was being pursued, and from 2015 to last February was "safe" with appeals for protection in which judges and prosecutors always resolved that "the demanded act (an arrest warrant), does not exist.” Thus, the dismissal of the guarantees of trial allowed her to remain calm, at least temporarily.

However, the wife of the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), was arrested last Sunday in Zapopan, Jalisco, by elements of the Secretary of the Navy, after she was targeted by OFAC.

Rosalinda and her daughter Jessica Johanna brought about at least half a dozen amparos in Zapopan, Jalisco, and in Mexico City.

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CJNG contracts ex Colombian Guerillas, affirms Governor of Jalisco

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Zetatijuana article

Subject Matter: CJNG, foreign mercenaries
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

Reporter: Carlos Alvarez
The governor of Jalisco, Jorge Aristóteles Sandoval Díaz, assured that the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) hired foreigners, including several former Colombian guerrillas, to train its members in strategies and use of weapons, and reported on it, four years ago, to the Attorney General's Office (PGR).

"Yes indeed we have known, not now, but for 5 years, where we have pointed out the articulation of this cartel with strategy and including expert people, not only from Colombia, but from other parts of the world, people who have had practice and training, guerrilla or even military, are those who have been hired to train their people, "said the state leader.

Sandoval Díaz explained that during his administration they have arrested people related to military and guerrilla training, in addition to having secured camps in the mountain areas of the state, that are difficult to access.

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Federal Government closes the circle on El Mencho, he has been detected in Nayarit

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from an El Universal article and image from Epoca Violenta

Subject Matter: Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

The Marines, Army and PGR have detained six direct collaborators of El Mencho, though the CJNG remains strong, it is not known how much financial debilitation the cartel has suffered.

Reporter: Manuel Espino Bucio
The Marines, the Army and the PGR are closing the circle on the top boss of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, whose movements have been detected in Nayarit, as well as on the outskirts of Jalisco and Michoacan.

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CJNG’s “Gerardo N” Arrest Leads to 270 Kilos of Cocaine

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Universal

             Authorities Claim this Cocaine Bust Proves Ties between CJNG and the Tláhuac Cartel

May 29, 2018  By: David Fuente  Extra Material from: am.cm.mx

On May 19, federal authorities carried out an operation in the Tláhuac delegation, which resulted in the seizure of 270 kilos of cocaine , the largest cargo shipped in the last decade, allegedly belonging to the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG). 

The federal official stressed that the arrest was achieved thanks to the actions of the Escudo Titán Operation and the Anti-Drug Division of the Federal Police, in coordination with the Attorney General's Office. The discovery was made after the search of three houses that were used as warehouses.

The confiscation was derived from the statements made by Gerardo Botello Rosales  "N" or Ricardo "N" "El Cachas", detained in the state of Jalisco, and whom the federal authorities indicate as the link of the CJNG with Mexico City, as well as operating El Bajío and particularly in the entities of Guanajuato and Michoacán.

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El Peque arrested, the principal provider of precursor chemicals for CJNG

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Proceso article

Subject Matter: CJNG, Javier Valle Brawnt, El Peque

Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

The Federal government has detained Javier Valle Brawnt, "El Peque", considered the principal provider of precursor chemicals to the criminal organization denominated Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, with an operational zone of the states of Colima, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi and Sinaloa.

Reporter: Patricia Davila

The PGR has released information that today they detained the man in charge of coordination of the importation of chemical substances from China, from the port of Manzanillo, Colima, from where they sent to laboratories on trucks and trailers.

In these states, the drugs are processed to obtain the precursor chemicals that are used by clandestine laboratories, to produce synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. Javier Valle Brawnt worked directly under the orders of Abraham and Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, brothers of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho", considered the leader of the CJNG.

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Video of El Mencho's wife at moment of arrest

Posted by Chivis for Borderland Beat, 'Char' provided video from Twitter

  

This video depicts the arrest of Rosalinda González Valencia, the wife of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho", leader of the Cartel of Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). 

She was detained by elements of the Navy on Saturday in the Puerta de Hierro area, in Zapopan, just before 10 PM.

Rosalinda is the sister of El Cuini, Abigael González Valencia, who was a primer leader of Cuinis/CJNG before his arrest. 

There are 18 siblings in the González Valencia family.  She is accused, along with her sister Berenice of being the financial heads of CJNG among other charges.

She appears extremely calm and cooperative at the time of her arrest.  She was transferred by helicopter to Mexico City. 

An amparo was filed on her behalf today claiming a violation against the 22^nd amendment, asserting that, among other arrest and detention violations,  she was prevented from communicating with her attorneys and family.  If the court agrees, she will be set free.

Video on following page:

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Jalisco tightens security for possible violence after the arrest of El Mencho's wife

Chivis Martinez Borderland Beat Translated and Republished from Reforma

Reforma Drafting 10:46AM: After the arrest of Rosalinda González Valencia, wife of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes "El Mencho", the Government of Jalisco reinforced security by anticipating some reaction from organized crime.

This was confirmed by the Governor of the State, Aristóteles Sandoval, who - through social networks - applauded the action of the federal government in carrying out this capture.

"After the successful operation of federal security forces as part of the #EscudoTitan strategy in Jalisco, we have reinforced security throughout the State, as a preventive measure against any possible reaction of criminal groups," the Governor wrote.

According to the state governor, no violence has been recorded so far; nevertheless, the State remains in coordination with the federal and municipal governments to face any eventuality.

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Michoacan CJNG Lieutenant: "El Abuelo" arrested

Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat ... From Reforma

Violence erupts after the arrest

Note: “El Abuelo” was a narco working behind the mask of an autodefensa who in actuality was working for CJNG in conjunction with Viagras. 

In foreground

Juan José Farías Álvarez, "El Abuelo", who was the head of the self-defense group in Michoacán, was arrested this afternoon in Tepalcatepec for links with the Jalisco Cartel Nueva Generación (CJNG).

It was confirmed to the Quadratín Agency that the operation was commanded by the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy, after which Farías Álvarez was taken to Mexico City.

He was the target of several investigations by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office related to his alleged links with the CJNG, possession of a firearm and for intentional homicide, as well as several arrest warrants.

As a result of the arrest of "El Abuelo", in the Municipality of Tepalcatepec, blockades and burning of vehicles are reported on the different roads that cross through this municipality, as well as preventing the departure of a group of elements from the Secretariat of the National Defense that intervened in the contingency of the arrest.

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“El 80” Tied to the Murder of Miroslava Breach

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: knightscenter.edu

May 26, 2018

See Otis' Post Re: "El 80" from May 18, 2018
and my Post Re: Sonora / Chihuahua  Narco Confrontations from: May, 2018
Material from: El Heraldo de Chihuahua

Mexican authorities arrested Arturo Quintina, known as “El 80,” an alleged drug trafficker suspected of ordering the March 2017 murder of journalist Miroslava Breach, according to El País.

"El 80", arrested on May 17, 2018 in the mountainous  area of ​​Chihuahua by elite elements of the Army and Federal Police (PF) and transferred to Cefereso Number 1, Altiplano, is accused of threatening the journalist Miroslava Breach Valducea, who was  murdered the March 23, 2017.

In addition, he is one of the most sought after criminals of DTO's by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the main generator of violence in the state.

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Killer Nebraska Fentanyl Bust : 118 Pounds Worth $20 Million USD

Posted by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: wandtv

May 26, 2018
Also techtimes By: Allen Adamson

Kearney, Neb. (WAND) - The Nebraska State Patrol seized almost 120 pounds of the drug fentanyl, which is the largest bust in the state’s history and one of the largest in the country.

According to the authorities, 118 pounds of the drug was seized during a routine traffic stop on April 26th near Kearney, which is enough to kill roughly 26 million people according to estimates by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Troopers became suspicious of a semi-truck, and after searching the vehicle found drugs hidden in a compartment, says Nebraska State Patrol Col. John Bolduc.

Troopers initially believed they had found mainly cocaine, but after the drug was tested it was found to be all fentanyl.

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CJNG: Mexican Navy captures El Mencho's wife

Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat    Material from Sinembargo

Elements of the Ministry of the Navy detained Rosalinda González Valencia, wife of the leader of the Jalisco Cartel Nueva Generación, Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho".

Rosalinda is the alleged administrator of the economic resources of the criminal organization.

In addition, that Military and Federal will implement simultaneous operations in Jalisco, to advert the possibility of a violent reaction on the part of the cartel.

Rosalinda was arrested without shots or confrontations in a residential area of ​​the municipality of Zapopan; she has an arrest warrant against him for the crimes of organized crime operations with resources of illicit origin and organized crime.

After her arrest, she was transferred in a federal helicopter from the Akron stadium to Mexico City.

It is expected that this Sunday the Secretary of the Interior, Alfonso Navarrete, will offer a press conference to reveal the details of this operation.

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Tamaulipas Congress discusses approving citizens to carry firearms, in the face of rampant insecurity

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Milenio article

Subject Matter: Concealed and non concealed carrying of arms by civilians in Tamaulipas
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

Otis: This could be a momentous decision for the people of Tamaulipas in cities such as Reynosa and Rio Bravo, who live in fear of constant running gun battles between antagonistic narcos, extortion and kidnapping. The current laws allow Mexican citizens under the constitution to keep firearms up to .38 calibre in their homes. This temporary amendment, if made, will allow them to carry arms in the street to defend their business from extortion, themselves from being kidnapped, and to assist the Police engaged in confrontations with criminals, will certainly be received with fear, but from the criminals not the ordinary citizens

Reporter: Antonio Hernandez
In the face of insecurity, opinion is divided in the Tamaulipas congress to arm men and women in the style of the old west to defend themselves from aggression, robbery or kidnapping in Tamaulipas.

The Deputy Nohemi Estrella Leal, president of the Commission for Transparency and Access to Public information, said she will insist on discussing an initiative so that civilians can repel attacks or act in defense of victims of crime, until the Police can arrive.

What is involved is that people will be able to carry weapons with permission, can only intervene when they see a crime in progress or when they are prey to a crime and only until the Police arrive.

In addition, it is also a question of having your handgun loaded, "cocked and locked", because all those carrying will help to maintain security as auxiliary police officers.

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Veracruz Govt ups reward to 5 million pesos for El Bukanas the train derailer

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from several Epoca Violenta articles

Subject Matter: Roberto de los Santos de Jesus, El Bukanas, Veracruz, Los Zetas
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

The Governor of Veracruz, Miguel Angel Yunes Linares reporter the following during a press conference. "We have announced the increase in the reward to anyone who provides accurate information that leads to the capture of the leader of one of the criminal cells operating in the area, where they have assaulted several Ferrosur trains, in the states of Veracruz and Puebla. He is Roberto de los Santos de Jesus, aka "El Bukanas".

The reward has risen by four million pesos. Previously the reward was one million pesos. He indicated that "thanks to the research work carried out by all the members of the Veracruz Coordination Group, it can be said that soon the criminal cells operating in the Acultzingo area in Veracruz could be deactivated".

"It has been possible to determine the places where the members of the criminal gangs, which operate in the border area of Veracruz and Puebla, sell their stolen products". The Governor said that operations will be carried out in these areas with security personnel with sophisticated weapons, who are instructed to act with the maximum force allow by the law against criminals, that is weapons will be used if necessary.

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Nestora Salgado Accuses PRI Candidate Meade of Defamation

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Animal Político

May 21, 2018
Thanks to Tu Fren for the Heads Up

The plurinominal candidate Morena, Nestora Salgado publicly challenged the PRI presidential candidate Jose Antonio Meade to check his statements about her after he stated during the second debate,  that the activist had committed acts of kidnapping and recrimination  Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for the candidacy granted to Salgado.

"Defamation is a crime and I challenge you publicly to prove your claims. It's enough that you and the PRI criminalize the social fighters. We're not going to leave! " Nestora wrote on her Twitter Account.

During the second presidential debate, José Antonio Meade read a note regarding the case of Nestora where the multi-nominee candidate allegedly asks for a sum of money in exchange for the delivery of a woman. 

After reading it, Meade pointed to Nestora as a "kidnapper".

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Veracruz: Attorney of Jalisco Federal Police is abducted, while leaving his daughter's quinceanera, then tortured and killed

Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat

Veracruz authorities have confirmed, that a body discovered, is that of Reyes Andrés Izquierdo Velázquez, 46.  

The body was abandoned  in the undergrowth at the La Tinaja-Cosoleacaque junction, in the municipality of the same name.

Izquierdo Velázquez was the Inspector General for the Federal Police in Jalisco. He was also the  chief of the legal department in the Jalisco Coordination of  Federal Police.

The victim showed signs of torture and was shot execution-style. Next to the body, authorities also found a cartulina narco message, which accuses the attorney, of wanting to open the plaza to their Jalisco rivals.

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A photographer hung out with vigilantes in Mexico's most dangerous state. Here's what she saw.

Posted by DD Republished from Washington Post By Kenneth Dickerman

Community police” vigilante Rene Zeferino rides in the back of a pickup as his unit patrols the streets of Ayutla de los Libres, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

News of violence and corruption emanating from Mexico is nothing new. And there is possibly nowhere more violent and corrupt than the state of Guerrero. Not only are there rival drug gangs vying over territory used to make heroin, but police are often seen as corrupt, too. According to Reuters, Police were accused of participating in the disappearance of 43 teachers college students in Guerrero in 2014. Indeed, violence and corruption are so bad that, according to Reuters, “it is not uncommon for state, federal and military forces to replace local security forces suspected of corruption and ties to Mexico’s powerful gangs.”

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"The Mule" Clint Eastwood Movie about Leo Sharp, the 87 Year old Sinaloa Cartel Drug transporter

By Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat

Leo and Clint

Remember Leo Sharp?  He is the 87 year old Sinaloa Cartel drug mule who was arrested in Michigan in 2011 while transporting cocaine worth $3M.

And here comes the movie.  Filmmaker/Actor, Clint Eastwood will act and direct the movie titled, “The Mule”.

Eastwood will play Leo Sharp, named Earl Stone in the script.  Bradley Cooper is in talks to be in the film but may not be able to because of a scheduling conflict with a movie he is producing, about composer Leonard Bernstein.  If he does join The Mule cast he will play DEA agent Colin Bates.

The film adapts a NYT’s article written by Sam Dolnick.  The article chronicled the life experiences of Sharp an award winning horticulturist and Bronze Star WW2 vet who became a drug transporter for the Sinaloa Cartel.

              

The florist and horticulturist’s pièce de résistance was his prize winning day lilies.  His day lilies were widely sought after.  His neighbors reported seeing buses filled with customers waiting outside his gate to purchase his flowers, totally unaware, that the man they deeply respected, was Sinaloa Cartel's  most prolific drug courier,  for the world’s most powerful drug cartel organization.  

Chris Graveline, the assistant U.S. attorney said; “By midway 2010, he had already brought 1,100 kilos here to Detroit.”

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Jalisco: Gunmen shoot former Attorney General and seven others

Posted by Slappy with info from "Char"  republished from AP

Note: The 8 month old baby burned in yesterday's attack, has died

Authorities in Mexico's second biggest city say gunmen for an organized crime gang tried to kill a state official, wounding him, three police officers and four civilians.

Jalisco state Gov. Aristoteles Sandoval said Monday the attack in the center of Guadalajara was aimed at Luis Carlos Najera, the state labor secretary who previously served three decades as a police officer and state prosecutor. He said Najera suffered a hand wound.

Sandoval said police captured six suspects and recovered "a large arsenal" of weapons. He said those detained claimed to belong to an elite group for a crime organization operating in Jalisco.

The governor did not identify the gang, but the state is home ground for the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel.

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Payasos: Mexican Clowns Take to the Streets to Demand Peace

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: BBC




                               Payasos March in Protest of Violence with their Union

May 21, 2018         
Additional Material from: efe.com

In January, the US state department prohibited US government employees from traveling to the state of Guerrero, including Acapulco. It warned of armed groups "operating independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero.  Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travellers," the advice said. 

About 50 clowns demonstrated with their relatives and friends, to demand that the violence that threatens the inhabitants of Acapulco, in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, be stopped. Clowns dressed in white marched down a central street in the Mexican resort of Acapulco on Monday May 7 demanding an end to the city's crime wave.

With their faces painted and carrying signs reading "peace", they said that they were "tired of so much violence". They complained that they were losing business because residents no longer threw parties out of fear of becoming targets of crime.

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The Gold Plated Arsenal of the Aztecas

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Proceso

                                                 The three men detained were not named
May 21, 2018

The Municipal Police of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, secured  an arsenal of 42 long weapons, including a 50-gauge Barret rifle, as well as four AK 47s, ie  "goat horns" plated in gold belonging to Los Aztecas gang - the armed wing of La Linea over a week ago.

The authorities of the  border  city reported that during an operation two vehicles were found with weapons that were to be delivered to a group of  sicarios , ie hit men. 

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Drive through of the aftermath of the battle in Yecora, Sonora (Video)

Posted by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Youtube video

Following on from Yaqui's post on the confrontations in Yecora, this video surfaced of people driving through the aftermath of one of the confrontations.

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RCQ Message ? Badiriguato Burning: Armed Convoy Set Fire to Houses and Vehicles

Translated By Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Sin Embargo

May 20, 2018
Badiraguato, Sinaloa -  Moments of panic were lived in the community of La Majada de Arriba, after armed men stormed the community and set fire to buildings and parked vehicles.

The group of criminals apparently wanted to send a message to the Sinaloa Cartel that Rafael Caro Quintero currently commands, due to the struggle that exists between the children of the infamous Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, " Los Chapitos " blaming them for the current war against his brother and their uncle identified as "El Guano" Guzmán.

According to reports that unofficially have arisen so far, it was around 5 or 6 am on Friday , May 18 when subjects carrying automatic weapons besieged the  community who abandoned their homes and fled in fear.

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United States offers a reward of $5 million for information leading the capture of El G3

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Proceso article

Subject Matter: Sinaloa Cartel, Adelmo Niebla Gonzalez, El G3 , El Memo
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

The United States government offered a reward of 5 million dollars for information that leads to the capture of the Mexican Adelmo Niebla Gonzalez, leader of  a transnational criminal organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Reporter: J Jesus Esquivel
The State department offered a reward of 5 million dollars for information on Adelmo Niebla Gonzalez that leads to his capture, pointed out a press release from the government of Donald Trump. According to the Program for Rewards from the Office of Anti-narcotics and the application of the law of the State Department, the subject sought is the head of a transnational organization of drug trafficking known as "Niebla Gonzalez".

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Sonora/Chihuahua: Confrontations Between Narco Groups Cause Panic

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Diario.mx

Extra Material from: El Herald de Chihuahua By: David Pinon May 20, 2018
See Otis's BB Post from May 18

A confrontation occurred between Yécora and Maycoba communities located in the limits of the state of Sonora near the border with Chihuahua, left a balance of five dead and 11 vehicles damaged, mostly burned. 

The confrontation was recorded on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning when an armed group from Chihuahua tried to enter Sonora, hours before Carlos Arturo Quntana, alias "El 80", 35, and leader of "La Línea", was captured in  the western region of the state, which reinforced the police presence within the limits of both states. 

Yesterday, it was announced that the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of Sonora, in coordination with the Mexican Army, increased intelligence and operational tactics by air and by foot  in the mountainous area of ​​Yécora.

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BUSTED: Caballeros Templarios Narco Laboratory Tied to Assassinations of Candidates and Soldiers

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Proceso

By: Ezequiel Flores Contreras  May18, 2018
Extra Material from: El Sur

Chilpancingo, Gro. Elements of the Army and the Attorney General of the Republic, (PGR) dismantled a clandestine narco laboratory in the town of San José,  Municipaly of Zirándaro , allegedly owned by José Pineda Gonzalez, "El JP",  leader of the Knights Templar, ie Caballeros Templarios, in the Tierra Caliente region in this entity and his brother Francisco Maldonado, "El Chico", who lives on the Michoacan side of the state borderline. They are now considered regional Jefes aligned with CJNG and practice extorsions, kidknapping and drug trafficking; originally coming from of La Familia Michoacana.

The Governor of Guerrero, Hector Astudillo Flores, says these are the same group that assassinated PRI candidate Abel Montufar Flores, the PRD candidate Ambrosio Soto, and responsible for the attacks on the local Coca Cola Plant in Altimira, which has led to its subsequent shutdown and dis-employment of its workers. ( see our recent/previous posts on Gro Coca Cola Plant shutdowns).

The area covers more than ​​two hectares, more than 100 200-liter drums were seized, with chemical precursors such as toluene, ammonium hydroxide, cyanide and acetone, used for the manufacture of methamphetamines.

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Operativo Escudo Titán: Mexicali, BC Nets 350 K’s of Meth and More

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: 20 Minutos

                                  More Meth Heading North Towards the US/Mexico Border
May 18, 2018

As a result of Operation Escudo Titan,  ie Titan Shield, the Mexican Federal Police secures 352

kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, 546 grams of opium gum and 987 grams of fentanyl in the municipality of Mexicali, Baja California on Tuesday May 15, 2018.

In a statement, the National Security Commission reported that the drug seizure was carried out as part of the crime prevention and deterrence work in that entity, where Federal Police patrolled the San Felipe - Puertecitos Federal Highway #5 in the municipality of Mexicali, south of the border city of Mexicali in Ejido Plan National Agrario.

The driver of a light utility truck made maneuvers to enter a dirt road, which gave rise to a persecution when the driver saw the Federal Police following him; meters later, the crew members fled into the brush and left the vehicle abandoned.

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Federal Forces capture "El 80" leader of La Linea in Chihuahua

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Proceso article

Subject Matter: La Linea, El 80, Carlos Arturo Quintana
Recommendation: see link to article on El 80

Carlos Arturo Quintana, identified as the leader of La Linea, armed wing of the Juarez Cartel, and one of the most bloodthirsty narcos that operate in the country, launching death threats against functionaries was arrested by Federal forces and Sedena. He is said to be responsible for trafficking marijuana, methamphetamines, fentanyl, opium gum and heroin to the United States and is sought by the FBI of the United States.

Reporter: Patricia Mayorga
According to the inhabitants of the municipality of Maniquipa, the leader of La Linea, of the Juarez Cartel, was arrested by Federal and State agents. Elements of the Army also participated in the operational deployment that was implemented in the area.

"Today, elite elements of Sedena and the Federal police arrested the main generator of violence in Chihuahua", Navarrete Prida wrote in his twitter account.

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Update: Pre-Election Violence Kills 94 as of Mid-May

Posted by DD Republished from GardaWorld

Pre-election violence in Mexico kills at least 94 people; further violence anticipated ahead of July 1 elections.

 Political violence in Mexico has resulted in the murders of at least 94 politicians, including candidates for the upcoming July elections, and their family members between September 2017 and mid-May 2018. The victims come from a variety of political parties, with most running for local offices. Officials believe that warring cartels are behind much of the violence as they attempt to gain influence over city governments nationwide. Federal and state governments have begun increasing security, providing many candidates with bodyguards and, in some cases, bullet-proof vehicles, but the measures have so far proven largely ineffective.

 At least 80 candidates have withdrawn from elections in Chihuahua state because of the high levels of pre-election violence. In early May, the leader of the Social Encounter Party (PES) in Chihuahua was killed and in a separate event, an estimated 250 gunmen descended on the community of Ignacio Zaragoza in Chihuahua killing the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) city council candidate and a campaign coordinator.

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Ninel Conde investigated for money laundering

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from a Noreste article

Subject Matter: Ninel Conde, Beltran Leyva Organization, Money Laundering
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

According to statements of ex employees, the artist frequented the narco trafficker Arturo Beltran Leyva

The Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) is investigating three purchases of property of the actress and singer in Acapulco, Punta Mita and Mexico City. A property in Granjas del Marques, in Acapulco worth 3 million dollars has been in her name since 2008, also an apartment in the exclusive Punta Mita destination, worth about 1 million dollars that she bought in 2010 and another property in Cumbres de Santa Fe, in Mexico City, worth 19.5 million pesos that she acquired in 2015.

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CNDH: Violence Against Journalists Will Continue

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Proceso

                                                            Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez
CNDH Ombudsman: "Violence against journalists will continue as long as the killers remain free".

By: Gloria Leticia Diaz May 15, 2018

Mexico City - AP ; The president of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), Luis Raúl González Pérez, condemned the killing of journalist Juan Carlos Huerta, and warned that while "those responsible are not in jail" the spiral of violence against the union "has the risk of continuing".

Interviewed at the end of the inauguration of the international forum "American Declaration of Rights and Duties of Man, First International Instrument for Human Rights", González Pérez stressed that with the death of Huerta - occurred this morning in Villahermosa, Tabasco - add 134 reporters killed in the last 18 years.

After highlighting that in the last three years of Enrique Peña Nieto's government "violence against journalists has been sustained", the ombudsman regretted that the murder occurred just on the first anniversary of the murder of Javier Valdez, correspondent of La Jornada in Sinaloa and founder of local newspaper Ríodoce .

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Journalist Juan Carlos Huerta murdered in Tabasco

Translated by El Profe for Borderland Beat from Proceso

              
At least the fourth journalist murdered this year in Mexico, his death occurred on the 1st anniversary of the murder of journalist Javier Valdez Cárdenas

Sicario killed journalist Juan Carlos Huerta with a .45 caliber weapon: Tabasco Prosecutor's Office 

By Armando Guzmán

VILLAHERMOSA, Tab. - Attorney General Fernando Valenzuela Pernas offered details on Tuesday about the murder of the journalist and radio and television news host, Juan Carlos Huerta Gutiérrez.

The head of the FGE explained that, according to witnesses, a gray van caught up with Huerta, blocked him off and hit the front bumper on the left side of the BMW that the victim was driving. A man then descended from the van, shot and killed the radio host, and fled with one or more companions.

He also said that news was received at the C-4 police command control center at 10:47 am, about a homicide on Flor del Trópico street, next to the Las Hadas subdivision, on the outskirts of Villahermosa, where elements of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) responded to and later experts and investigative police of the FGE.

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The butchery continues unabated in Tamaulipas as Grupo Escorpion and Los Metros clash

Translated by Otis B Fly-Wheel for Borderland Beat from Epoca Violenta and ValorporTamaulipas articles

Subject Matter: Dismemberment's in Tamaulipas, Grupo Escorpion, Los Metros, Cartel del Golfo
Recommendation: No prior subject matter knowledge required

Otis: In the ongoing struggle between antagonistic Cartel del Golfo factions, Grupo Escorpion and Los Ciclones, have allegedly taken the yellow and purple sectors of Reynosa, from Los Metros. Sierra Flaco has put messages out on social media claiming responsibility for the six bodies left in trash bags in Rio Bravo, and intimated that some of Los Metros have flipped to Grupo Escorpion.

From VpT
Grupo Escorpion has taken the yellow and purple sectors of Reynosa from Los Metros, gaining territory and leaving Commandante Marin ( Luis Carlos Marin Chapa ) wounded and in the the General Hospital of Reynosa. He is one of the commandantes of Sierra Flaco who has terrorized several sectors of the city, forging his reputation on robberies, extortion, threats and kidnappings, to maintain the war that El Flaco Sierra has with Grupo Escorpion and its allies, M56, M100 and M101.

Tuesday at daybreak, a special forces group from Matamoros took out the sicarios from Commandante Marin, who left a lot of equipment behind and vehicles. Marin did not receive any support from El Flaco Sierra. Grupo Escorpion has already carried out reconnaissance of Reynosa, since Los Metros were driven out of the city, and El Flaco Sierra took refuge in Miguel Aleman, leaving the few remaining Metros in the city helpless.

Grupo Escorpion and its allies are at the order of the citizenship, waiting for locations of safe houses and locations of Los Metros who have terrorized the population because the government do nothing because of the corruption that exists. Grupo Escorpion and its allies want the Reynosa citizenship to enjoy the days and nights as the people of Rio Bravo and Matamoros do.

WARNING THE FOLLOWING PAGE CONTAINS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC BLOODY IMAGES AND SHOULD BE VIEWED WITH EXTREME CAUTION

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"Los Damasos" Ordered the Murder of Javier Valdez

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Riodoce

On the One Year anniversary of the murder of Javier Valdez FEADLE confirms the perpetrators of his assassination; "Los Damasos" ; One Theory.....................

By: Alejandro Monjardin
May 15, 2018
PART ONE

10 weeks after the murder of Javier Valdez, 2 of the alleged perpetrators of the crime had been named. On July 28  last year, a protected witness pointed them out after having a conversation in which they allegedly spoke of their involvement in the murder; and the third person was identified in September through security camera images.

Almost a year after the murder, the Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) arrested one of the alleged perpetrators but has yet to execute an arrest warrant against another that is already detained for another offense. According to FEADLE, the witness went to make a statement out of fear, because he had been threatened.

The witness named three suspects: Heriberto Picos Barraza, "El Koala", Juan Francisco Peaks Barrueto , "El Quillo" , and Luis Idelfonso Sánchez Romero, "El Diablo".

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Mexico Drug Policy Museum Invites Dialogue on Prohibition Alternatives

Posted by El Profe for Borderland Beat from Insight Crime

                               

by Victoria Dittmar

Mexico City hosted the Museum of Drug Policy, sponsored by the Open Society Foundations, from May 4 to May 6.* During the museum’s first tour in Latin America, its exhibits reflected on experiences of Mexican drug policy, focusing on the victims of surging violence related to prohibitionist policies and militarization.

The drawings of five faces hung on the wall. One next to another. They depicted the faces of real people who face the same fate: the death penalty. The people were citizens of Indonesia, Iran and Myanmar, countries where drug possession is punished by the death penalty. To the side, an explanatory label recounted how drug prohibition measures began in Mexico to curtail its availability to would-be consumers.

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