U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, has recognized the work of Mexican authorities after the killing of Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias “R-5” or “El Güicho”, during an operation in Tocumbo, Michoacán.
The diplomat argued that the death of the criminal leader demonstrates the results that can be achieved through sustained pressure on criminal organizations and cooperation between Mexico and the United States.
Johnson noted that “R-5” was sought by the United States for extradition purposes, and that the State Department had offered a $3 million reward for information that would allow his capture.
The criminal leader was pointed out as one of the main responsible for the operations of the Cartel of the Kings, activities related to drug trafficking and extortion in the Michoacan region.
“They can no longer threaten our communities.”
In his message, Johnson said that “R-5” will no longer be able to threaten communities and pointed out that the operation represents a demonstration of what can be achieved when pressure on criminal organizations isined.
Another wanted cartel leader can no longer threaten our communities. “R5” was wanted for extradition to the United States, with a $3 million @StateDept reward for information leading to his arrest. The operation by Mexican authorities demonstrates what sustained pressure on? https://t.co/LiwRMvgGBS
The ambassador added that, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and in collaboration with Mexico, both countries will continue to work to dismantle the criminal networks.
“They will be found and will be held accountable,” Johnson warned, referring to other members of these organizations.
Chávez died on the night of August 30 during an operation in the municipality of Tocumbo.
During the deployment participated elements of the Secretariat of National Defense and the National Guard, in coordination with ministerial and police authorities of Michoacán.
To avoid the capture, members of the criminal group fired fire on security personnel, but federal elements repelled the aggression and two alleged offenders were killed, including “R-5”.
The Cartel of the Kings
Barragán Chávez had gained relevance within the Los Reyes Cartel after the capture of Alfonso Fernández Magallón, alias “Poncho La Quiringua”, occurred on August 1.
After that arrest, “R-5” would have taken over the leadership of the organization, which has a presence mainly in municipalities in the west of Michoacán andins activities linked to drug trafficking and extortion.
The Los Reyes region and other avocado-producing municipalities have been the scene of operations by criminal groups seeking to control economic activities and territories.
The death of “R-5” represents a blow to the criminal structure, although it does not necessarily mean the end of the group’s activities in the region.
