Just after midday Marines arrested at least four suspected members of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) at a four-story apartment block on Calle Nelson, just a few blocks from Avenida Terranova.
In previous raids against the CJNG, federal forces have declined to keep state or municipal authorities informed, leaving Jalisco vulnerable to the retaliatory blockades of March and August this year. But on this occasion, the Public Security Agency (SSP) in Jalisco issued a “Code Red” heightened security warning early Thursday afternoon.
The U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara quickly passed on the message, advising that “all American citizens should take precautions and be vigilant to news reports regarding events in the state of Jalisco.”
As a precaution against blockades, additional police units were deployed at strategic points in Tlajomulco, El Salto and Tonala. No disturbances were reported across Guadalajara or Jalisco following the operation.
Around 50 masked marines took part in the raid, backed by jeeps, trucks and two helicopters. Having made arrests and left the property around 2.15 p.m., they returned to re-enter the building shortly before 3 p.m. and left just over 30 minutes later.
Alleged CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” was rumored to be among those detained but this had not been confirmed when the Reporter went to press.
The CJNG has been severely weakened by a string of recent arrests and last week State Police Chief Luis Carlos Najera said “narcomantras” (messages left by drug gangs) in Guadalajara suggested a split between the CJNG and the powerful Sinaloa Federation headed by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.