Mexican Authorities Arrest CJNG Leader Audias Flores Silva in Nayarit

Mexican federal forces have arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as 'El Jardinero', a high-ranking leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in Nayarit.

Key points

• The arrest was confirmed by Secretary of Security Omar García Harfuch on April 27, 2026.
• Flores Silva is wanted by the United States for extradition, with a $5 million reward previously offered for his capture.
• The operation was conducted by elements of the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (Semar).

Why it matters

The capture of a top-tier leader of the CJNG represents a significant development in the ongoing security efforts against one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.