Description: The Mexican special forces have announced that they have arrested Audias Flores aka El Jardinero, the potential successor of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes who was killed in a security operation in Feb. Audias Flores, according to the DEA and Mexican authorities was much more influential than Cervantes having directed operations for vast networks of laboratories in several federal states, controlled smuggling routes and distribution networks for the cartel in the US. Mexican security officials confirmed that Flores was captured using US provided intelligence and investigative information. Cesar Alejandro, a key money – laundering lieutenant and Flores’ partner was also arrested several hours after as Mexican authorities dealt a serious blow to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).
Impact: Mexican authorities have managed to cripple CJNG’s operational outreach and cripple the cartel’s leadership structure which would most likely lead towards intense infighting as well as power grab moves by other influential cartels such as Sinaloa in the short to mid – term period. CJNG as one of the largest cartels in Mexico controls significant territorial portions and has the largest US distribution network which is most likely to be contested by other cartel organizations now that CJNG’s leadership has been significantly degraded. The operation presents a wide – scale success for Mexico even though president Sheinbaum is likely to come under scrutiny as CIA operatives were unknowingly helping federal authorities in capturing Flores. Despite the operation’s success, cartel violence is likely expected to escalate, since rival cartels would most likely pivot towards capturing key distribution networks and territorial expansion.