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Mexican Army Delivers Powerful Blow to One of the Country's Most Violent Criminal Organizations

The Mexican Army has dealt a severe blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, arresting Odias Flores Silva, alias "El Jardinero," a top commander seen as a potential successor to the slain leader "El Mencho." The arrest occurred Monday in Nayarit state, where Flores was found hiding in a trench, with no casualties reported. The U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for his capture. His predecessor’s death in February sparked cartel attacks that killed over 70 people, including 25 National Guard members. This arrest marks a significant victory against one of Mexico's most violent criminal groups.

·April 28, 2026 at 8:56 AM·1 min read

Mexican Army Delivers Powerful Blow to One of the Country's Most Violent Criminal Organizations

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most violent criminal organizations, suffered a new blow after the army arrested one of its most prominent commanders, two months after the cartel's leader was killed.

Odias Flores Silva, known as "El Jardinero" (The Gardener), who was viewed as a potential successor to the late leader, was arrested on Monday, as the United States had offered a reward of 5 million dollars for information leading to his arrest.

Mexican officials said the cartel's regional commander was arrested while hiding in a roadside trench near the "El Mirador" area in Nayarit state, without any casualties during the operation.

Flores Silva had been considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", who was killed in a major military operation in February. His death triggered a wave of widespread violence by cartel members, including attacks on businesses, vehicle burnings, and road closures, resulting in the deaths of more than 70 people, including 25 members of the National Guard.