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- 14 de Ene, 2019
Navy dismantles part of CJNG criminal cell in Tabasco
As part of the security reinforcement in the state of Tabasco, elements of the Mexican Navy in two different operations arrested three alleged members of a criminal cell, the " Jalisco New Generation Cartel " (CJNG), seizing approximately 33,128 doses of drugs and more than half a ton of marijuana.
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First Action:
Members of the Federal Forces carried out an inspection in the municipality of Cunduacán of a vehicle without license plates and with gunshot wounds, in which two people were traveling, identified as César Guadalupe "N" alias "El Gordo" and Reyna de los Ángeles "N" alias "Reyna" who were transporting 32,118 doses of crystal, 560 doses of cocaine, 450 doses of stone, a long weapon, a metal magazine with eight cartridges and a tactical vest.
The doses secured at this event represent an economic impact of 6.5 million pesos to criminal cells that distribute drugs in the country.
Second Action:
In another incident, near Ejido Lomitas, in the municipality of Nacajuca, a subject driving a cargo truck was stopped. Upon noticing the presence of federal security forces, he attempted to flee the scene. They caught up with him and inspected him, where a handgun, a magazine with seven cartridges, six tactical vests, three ballistic plates, and approximately 608 kilograms of marijuana were found. The subject identified himself as Elías Torres Javier, alias "El Flaco" and/or "El Peluche."
The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) reported that, as a result of these events, the detainees were informed of their legal rights and, along with the confiscated items, were handed over to the corresponding Public Ministry agent for inclusion in the case's investigation file.
Furthermore, through cross-referencing, it was learned that the detainees belong to a criminal cell and are involved in cargo theft and drug dealing.
"These actions are part of the maritime, air, and land surveillance operations carried out by the Secretariat of the Navy through the Mexican Navy in coordination with the institutions that comprise the Security Cabinet, to inhibit criminal activities and guarantee the safety of Mexican families."
Also participating in these actions were officers from the Secretariats of National Defense (Defense), Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), and State Security and Citizen Protection, agents from the Attorney General's Office (FGR), and members of the National Guard (GN).
'El Plátano', linked to the Bernardo Bravo murder, is arrested.
'El Plátano,' the alleged killer of lemon grower leader Bernardo Bravo, is arrested in Michoacán.
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The Attorney General's Office of the State of Michoacán (FGE) confirmed the arrest of Rigoberto "N" , alias "El Plátano" , alleged lieutenant of "Los Blancos de Troya" , an armed cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) , and possible mastermind behind the murder of the lemon leader Bernardo Bravo .
The arrest was made in the town of Cenobio Moreno, Apatzingán , as a result of a joint operation between the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) , the state Attorney General's Office , the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) .
Rigoberto “N” is accused of being involved in a network of extortion of lemon producers in the Apatzingán region , a crime of which Bernardo Bravo, president of the Citrus Growers Association of the Apatzingán Valley , was a victim after publicly denouncing the illegal charges.
At the time of his arrest, "El Plátano" was found with 25 thousand pesos in cash , three cell phones and alleged drugs .
"The investigation is ongoing, as there are indications of his possible involvement in other crimes," the Prosecutor's Office stated.
Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed the arrest through a post on the social network X:
"The detainee has been identified as one of those responsible for collecting extortion fees from lemon growers in Apatzingán. The investigation is ongoing to capture all those involved."
“El Plátano” would have served as a logistical and operational link between Los Blancos de Troya, Los Viagras and the CJNG , all with an active presence in Tierra Caliente.
Chinese Fentanyl Kingpin Wanted by DEA Apprehended in Cuba
The Cuban government is currently detaining Zhi Dong Zhang, also known as Brother Wang, a Chinese national and one of the most sought-after fentanyl kingpins by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). His capture in Cuba, after an international escape involving both Mexico and Russia, represents a rare event in the security policies of the Cuban regime, which has historically denied any involvement in drug trafficking operations within its borders.
According to the Spanish newspaper El País, Zhi Dong was re-arrested on July 11, 2025, after escaping from Mexico City, where he was facing extradition proceedings to the United States. The drug lord entered Cuba with a fake passport after being turned away in Russia and is now under interrogation by Cuban authorities, who are coordinating with the Mexican government for his extradition.
Official sources cited by El País indicate that Mexico anticipates that, following the investigation in Havana, Zhi Dong will be extradited directly to the United States.
An Unexpected High-Profile Arrest Amid Political Tensions
The apprehension of Brother Wang places Cuba in an unforeseen position in the global anti-drug cooperation landscape. Although the island has agreements with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and maintains sporadic contacts with the DEA, the capture of international drug lords on Cuban soil is an anomaly. This event occurs within a context where the Havana government asserts that drug trafficking does not operate within the country and that seizures are merely "transit operations" in Caribbean waters.
However, the capture of a figure as significant as Zhi Dong, accused of trafficking massive quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, reignites the debate on the opacity of criminal activities in the region and the potential use of Cuban territory as a temporary haven for fugitives.
DEA's Battle Against Fentanyl: A Continental Priority
El País's investigation reveals that Zhi Dong is a primary target for the United States, accused of leading a criminal network since 2016 with operations across America, Europe, and Asia, working in conjunction with the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. The DEA holds him accountable for orchestrating the shipment of over 2,000 kilos of fentanyl and 1,000 kilos of cocaine into the U.S., in addition to laundering at least $20 million through a network of more than 150 shell companies.
His escape from Mexico, after being granted house arrest, triggered a political storm that even reached President Claudia Sheinbaum, who condemned the judicial corruption that facilitated his escape.
FAQs on the Arrest of Brother Wang in Cuba
Who is Brother Wang?
Brother Wang is the alias of Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese national known as a major fentanyl kingpin wanted by the DEA.
Why is Brother Wang's arrest significant?
His arrest is significant because it places Cuba in an unusual position within international anti-drug efforts and raises questions about the country's involvement in drug trafficking.
What are the charges against Zhi Dong Zhang?
Zhi Dong Zhang is accused of leading a criminal network responsible for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine into the U.S. and laundering millions of dollars.