Amidst operations under the federal “Plan Michoacán,” aimed at pacifying the state, alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) hung banners on Tuesday with threats against rivals in the municipality of Buenavista, prompting a police and military deployment.
The messages, displayed on various streets and on the “March 18th” sign in the town of Buenavista, in the Tierra Caliente region, were directed at Juan José Farías Álvarez, “El Abuelo,” identified as the leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel.
In Buenavista, located in the border area with Jalisco, where some businesses closed, residents reported banners more than three meters long stretched across the streets, including one prominently displayed on the town’s sign.
“We are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. To all the residents of March 18th, we are here. We’ve come for the grandfather and his people,” part of the message read.
They also demanded that residents “cut off all communication” with them and join them, under threat of a “cleansing.”
The warning extended to neighboring communities such as Galeras and Piedras Blancas. The criminal group asserted that families would be spared if they did not collaborate with the rival cartel.
The individuals responsible for placing the banners were armed, their faces covered, and they wore camouflage or military-style clothing, according to images circulating on social media.
The banners, later removed by police, were marked with seals that read FEM CJNG (Special Forces of El Mencho) and a skull in the center.
The threats occurred in the heart of the lemon-growing region, where economic activity is heavily tied to the cultivation, harvesting, and packing of lemons.
Furthermore, despite the fact that following the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, the federal government launched “Plan Michoacán,” which involves deploying federal and local forces and implementing various social programs.
Michoacán is the country’s leading producer of this citrus fruit, and municipalities like Buenavista and Apatzingán are key players in the Tierra Caliente region, making them prime targets for extortion and criminal control.
“El Abuelo,” as leader of the Tepalcatepec Cartel, is also accused of participating in the United Cartels alliance.
The pressure on “El Abuelo” doesn’t just come from rival groups. Just in August, the United States offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture, accusing him of extorting avocado and lime producers, terrorism, and manufacturing drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for distribution in that country.
Source: reforma
