Mexican forces have detained Audias Flores, alias "El Jardinero," a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel commander, in Nayarit after a 19-month surveillance operation. The Navy-led raid used more than 500 troops, six helicopters and U.S.-provided intelligence and concluded without a shot fired. Flores is wanted by U.S. authorities, who have offered a $5 million reward; Mexican police also arrested a suspected money launderer linked to him.
Top Jalisco Cartel Commander 'El Jardinero' Captured in Nayarit After Months-Long Chase
Members of Mexican Special Forces escort Audias Flores, known as “El Jardinero” a top commander of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in the western state of Nayarit, Mexico, in this handout distributed on April 27, 2026. Secretaria de Marina (SEMAR)/Handout via REUTERS
Mexican special forces have captured Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero," one of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel's (CJNG) most powerful regional commanders, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced on Monday. The arrest took place in El Mirador, roughly 20 km north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit.
Operation Details
The Navy-led operation followed about 19 months of surveillance and involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters and several fixed‑wing aircraft. Officials said Flores was being guarded by a perimeter of roughly 30 pickup trucks and more than 60 armed escorts. The convoy scattered as a diversion, but Flores was found attempting to hide in a drainage ditch.
"The operation was carried out with surgical precision without a single shot being fired," the Mexican Navy said in a statement.
Videos posted by García Harfuch showed aerial footage of helicopters and troops during the raid. Mexican officials said they used intelligence provided by U.S. authorities, including aerial surveillance, to locate and capture Flores.
Charges, Rewards and Associated Arrests
Flores is wanted by U.S. authorities, who have offered a $5 million reward and filed federal charges in 2021 alleging his involvement in conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, among other offenses. The U.S. Treasury designated him as a "significant foreign narcotics trafficker" in 2021.
A U.S. Department of State wanted poster of Audias Flores‑Silva, known as “El Jardinero,” one of the top commanders of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), obtained by Reuters from the U.S. Department of State website on April 27, 2026. US Department of State/Handout via REUTERS
Later on Monday, Mexican authorities also announced the arrest of Cesar Alejandro N., known as "El Güero Conta," whom officials accuse of serving as a principal money launderer for Flores.
Significance and Context
Analysts say Flores controlled drug laboratories, smuggling corridors and distribution networks into the United States, making him a central operational figure in CJNG. Carlos Olivo, a former DEA assistant special agent in charge and CJNG expert, described Flores as a "significant figure" whose capture "will have a bigger effect on CJNG operations than El Mencho being taken out."
Flores had been considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera ("El Mencho"), the cartel leader who was killed in February during a security operation. The capture deals another blow to CJNG leadership and comes as Mexico faces increased scrutiny over public safety ahead of co-hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer.
International Dimension
U.S.-Mexico cooperation was highlighted in the operation: Mexican officials confirmed U.S. intelligence assistance, and U.S. officials, including Ambassador Ronald Johnson, praised the arrest as a key step in disrupting fentanyl trafficking and cartel violence that affect communities on both sides of the border.
Note: All factual details in this article are based on statements from Mexican authorities, the Mexican Navy and anonymous Mexican security sources cited by reporting agencies.
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