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News Topical, Digital Desk : The military has arrested Audias Flores Silva, a major leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a notorious drug gang in Mexico. He was known as "El Jardinero," meaning "the gardener," and was considered close to gang leader El Mencho.
Following his arrest, sporadic incidents of violence have been reported in several areas of Mexico. The US had offered a bounty of approximately $5 million (approximately ₹50 crore) for Flores Silva.
El Mencho was considered his heir.
Flores Silva was the cartel's regional commander and was considered El Mencho's successor. Surprisingly, security forces found him hiding in a roadside drain, not at a major hideout. He was widely believed to be the one who would take over the cartel after El Mencho's death, but his arrest has dealt a significant blow to the gang.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is considered one of the most dangerous drug gangs in the world. According to US agencies, this cartel trades drugs in more than 100 countries, including the United States. Its network spans 21 of Mexico's 32 states, making it one of the most powerful.
Who is Flores Silva?
Audias Flores Silva, about 31 years old, is from the state of Michoacan. He entered the drug trade at a young age, starting with opium cultivation. He has previously been arrested and served prison time in the United States.
Flores Silva was involved not only in drug trafficking, but also in crimes such as extortion, oil theft, and kidnapping. He was also considered the cartel's security chief and managed networks across several states. He made the Nayarit region his stronghold and controlled the chemicals used to produce fentanyl.
How did the name 'Mali' come about?
Flores Silva earned the nickname "El Jardinero" because of his early origins. In his early days, he cultivated opium and marijuana, which led to his being called "the gardener." After El Mencho's death, he was considered the gang's successor.
The US has been trying to apprehend him and exerting pressure on Mexico since 2021. The US government declared him a dangerous drug trafficker and seized his assets. He faces multiple charges related to drug trafficking from Colombia to the US.
Tension escalated after the arrest
Two months ago, violence erupted across Mexico following the death of El Mencho. Now, following Flores Silva's arrest, incidents of arson have also been reported in the state of Nayarit. However, no injuries were reported during his arrest, and it is being considered a major success for security agencies.
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