Edgar Valeriano Orozco Cabadas, known as “El Kamoni”, was detained on September 23 in the municipality of Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, during an operation involving elements of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the National Guard and Interpol Mexico.
According to information disclosed by authorities, the detainee is indicated as the regional head of the Tepalcatepec Cartel, an organization with a presence mainly in Tepalcatepec and Buenavista.
The capture occurred following intelligence work and exchange of information with Interpol. The U.S. government held a reward of up to $3 million for information that led to his capture.
In addition, there is a provisional arrest warrant for extradition for drug trafficking-related crimes.
In Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, was detained Edgar Valeriano “N”, alias “Kamoni”, identified as regional head of the “Tepalcatepec Cartel” and generator of violence in the region. pic.twitter.com/3iceTYBMq4
From H-3 operator to regional chief
The trajectory of “El Kamoni” dates back to at least 2016, when he was arrested for the first time. At that time he was noted as a member of the group known as H-3 and was related to an investigation into the murder of four young evangelizers.
Ten years later, the authorities placed him as a relevant operator within the Tepalcatepec Cartel.
According to the information provided by the Sedena, “El Kamoni” is attributed to the manufacture and distribution of synthetic drugs, as well as extortion activities against businessmen in the citrus sector of the region.
Authorities also point to him as a close collaborator of “The Grandfather”, identified as the leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel, so his capture represents the arrest of one of the most important operators of the said criminal organization.
