Mexican authorities say Audias Flores Silva, known as “El Jardinero,” a top commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was captured in the western state of Nayarit during an operation carried out on Monday by Mexican Navy special forces.
Flores was a top CJNG regional commander overseeing territory along Mexico’s Pacific coast and was considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who was killed in a security operation in February.
The U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Como resultado de labores de inteligencia y coordinación interinstitucional de manera quirúrgica, sin necesidad de efectuar un solo disparo, sin personas fallecidas, ni lesionadas, #PersonalNaval realizó la aprehensión de un blanco prioritario.
Para el desarrollo de… pic.twitter.com/RoEqY9KqMb
— SEMAR México (@SEMAR_mx) April 27, 2026
In a statement, the Mexican Navy said the operation followed months of monitoring and involved reconnaissance aircraft, four close-support helicopters, two troop transport helicopters, four fixed-wing aircraft, 120 direct-action troops, and 400 naval personnel in support roles.
A source cited by The Guardian said the Navy also used intelligence provided by U.S. authorities, including aerial surveillance during the operation.
The Navy said special forces surrounded a cabin in El Mirador, about 20km (12 miles) north of the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, where Flores was being protected by a perimeter of some 30 pickup trucks and more than 60 gunmen.
Flores’s escorts scattered as a diversion, but he was located as he attempted to hide in a drainage ditch, the Navy said. Videos shared by Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch showed aerial surveillance footage of helicopters hovering over the operation area.
“The operation was carried out with surgical precision without a single shot being fired,” the Navy said. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
https://t.co/vFnD3unieL pic.twitter.com/q8Gj4zxLVH
— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) April 27, 2026
“Audias Flores Silva, alias ‘El Jardinero’, was detained in Nayarit,” Harfuch said. “He has an arrest warrant in Mexico and is also sought by United States authorities for extradition purposes.”
Later Monday, Mexican officials announced the arrest of César Alejandro “N,” known as “El Güero Conta,” who authorities allege served as a key money launderer for Flores and the CJNG.
El día de hoy en Zapopan, Jalisco, Fuerzas Especiales del Ejército Mexicano y de la Guardia Nacional @Defensamx1 detuvieron a César Alejandro N, alias “El Güero Conta”, identificado como operador financiero de Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero”, jefe regional del CJNG.… pic.twitter.com/ZHUC4ob22s
— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) April 28, 2026
The CJNG, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2025, has come under increased pressure from Mexican security forces amid U.S. demands to intensify anti-cartel operations. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against drug trafficking groups in Mexico.
Authorities did not immediately say whether Flores or Alejandro will face charges in Mexico or be extradited to the U.S.
