Arrest of "Ingeniero," a CJNG member, in Zapopan

“Ingeniero,” CJNG Member Who Designed and Built Narco-Tunnels, Falls in Zapopan

BySinEmbargo Staff

This article by SinEmbargo staff originally appeared in the October 16, 2026 edition of SinEmbargo, an independent Mexican digital news outlet.

According to what was stated by the Defense Secretariat, “Ingeniero” received direct orders from Juan Carlos Valencia González, current head of the CJNG.

Mexico City, October 16 (SinEmbargo).— Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense reported that, following an operation, it achieved the arrest in the municipality of Zapopan, Jalisco, of Luis Manuel “N,” alias “Ingeniero,” who is identified as a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

“As a result of work by the Central Military Intelligence of the Secretariat of National Defense, on October 15 of this year, personnel of the National Guard in coordination with the Mexican Army and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Attorney General’s Office arrested Luis Manuel ‘N,’ ‘Ingeniero,’ in flagrante delicto in the municipality of Zapopan, Jalisco,” the Defense Secretariat stated in a press release.

The agency indicated that the individual is considered a key member of the CJNG, as he was in charge of the design and construction of tunnels used for drug trafficking between Mexico and the United States (US), especially in the municipality of Tijuana, Baja California.

It also highlighted that the detainee, who faces charges in the US for the crime of conspiracy to traffic drugs, operated under the direct orders of Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias “03” or “Pelón,” who is identified as the current leader of the criminal group.

“During the operation, weapons, drugs and a vehicle were seized; the detainee and the seized items were placed at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office based in Guadalajara, Jal., to continue with the investigations and the corresponding forensic procedures and to determine his legal situation,” the Defense Secretariat noted.

What Is the Current Structure of the CJNG?

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has a new criminal structure, and the United States Government has put a price on it that exceeds 100 million dollars.

In August, after the fall of “El Mencho,” the US State Department announced the new amounts for the leaders of this criminal organization. The information included the update of the sums offered, the addition of other kingpins to the most-wanted list and the designation of a new public enemy number one.

At the top of the criminal leadership is Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias “El Pelón,” as top leader. The stepson of “El Mencho” is now the most wanted drug trafficker, with a reward of 25 million dollars.

Next on the list are Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, “El Sapo,” and Audias Flores Silva, “El Jardinero.” The US government put a price of 15 million dollars on each of their heads.

On a third level are Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela, “La Firma,” Francisco Javier Gudiño Haro, “La Gallina,” Julio César Montero Pinzón, “El Tarjetas,” and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, “El Chorro.”

US State Department rewards for the CJNG leadership
New CJNG criminal leadership, new rewards. Photo: US State Department.