The Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) reported the arrest of Ernesto Guadalupe “N,” known as “El Rayo,” identified as the alleged operational leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Playa del Carmen.
The arrest was the result of an interagency operation carried out on November 25, 2025, at the intersection of Tulum Avenue and Agua Street, in Superblock 4 of the municipality of Benito Juárez.
“El Rayo” is accused of extortion, drug trafficking, homicide, and disappearances, making him one of the main instigators of violence in the region.
According to the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office, the operation was carried out by Investigative Police officers assigned to the institution, in coordination with members of the Army, Navy, National Guard, Secretariat of Citizen Security, and Municipal Police.
The arrest came after intelligence work and joint operations by the Interinstitutional Group, which identified Ernesto Guadalupe “N” as a priority target in the state’s Crime Atlas.
During the inspection, agents seized an arsenal of 11 firearms restricted to the armed forces: six rifles—two 7.62 x 39 mm caliber and four .223 caliber—and five handguns, all with loaded magazines.
In addition, substances resembling crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, and pink pills were seized, along with several cell phones, according to the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office.
Investigations indicate that the detainee allegedly led extortion rackets targeting public transportation drivers and was involved in drug sales in the municipality. He is also linked to more than five homicides and disappearances in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, reinforcing his profile as one of the main instigators of violence in the area.
Following the arrest, both Ernesto Guadalupe “N” and the seized items were turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine his legal status according to established legal deadlines.
The Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office reiterated its commitment to advancing investigations and strengthening coordination with federal and municipal authorities, with the goal of weakening criminal groups and contributing to the safety of the population in Quintana Roo.
This comes after Raciel López Salazar, Attorney General of the State of Quintana Roo, stated at a press conference that “no criminal group is larger than the power of the State” during the Security Roundtable held on Monday, November 24.
At that event, the Attorney General detailed that so far this year, 138 members of this same criminal group have been captured, in coordination with the Interinstitutional Group, primarily in the municipalities of Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel.
Source: infobae
