On Wednesday, Mexican authorities reported the arrest in the western state of Michoacán of Ernesto Rafael ‘N’, alias ‘Sierra 1’, considered a high-priority target for the federal government. The individual is identified as one of the main instigators of violence in Morelia, the state capital, and is allegedly linked to a criminal gang dedicated to extortion, homicide, and kidnapping in the region.
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In a message posted on social media, the head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, stated that the alleged criminal had already evaded authorities on two previous occasions.
The arrest took place during a raid on a property in Morelia, in a coordinated operation involving the State Attorney General’s Office, the local Public Security Secretariat, the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), the Navy Secretariat, the National Guard (GN), and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).
During the operation, security forces seized high-powered weapons and narcotics, and arrested a woman who was present at the location at the time of the raid. García Harfuch emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that at the time of his arrest, he had an outstanding arrest warrant and is linked to the investigation into the murder of a mezcal producer in Morelia.
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The text reads, “Between September 2024 and May 2026, intentional homicides in Mexico fell by 46 percent, which translates to 39 fewer cases per day. Furthermore, last month saw the lowest homicide rate since 2015; these positive results continue to be achieved through the National Security Strategy.”
Specifically, “Sierra 1” is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the murder of mezcal businessman Sergio “R,” a crime that occurred on May 22, 2025, on the San Miguel del Monte-Piedras de Lumbre highway. He is also linked to the aggravated kidnapping of three men last year.
“With the National Strategy against Extortion and the Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice, we continue working in a coordinated manner to arrest those who generate violence, protect families, and block criminal networks,” the official stated regarding security policies.
This action is part of the security strategy implemented by the President Claudia Sheinbaum government, which is based on four fundamental pillars: addressing the root causes, consolidating the National Guard, strengthening intelligence and investigation, and coordination with the states.
According to official data provided by the federal government, from the beginning of the current administration in October 2014 until last May, law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 56,000 people for high-impact crimes. During this same period, authorities have seized nearly 30,000 weapons and 420 tons of drugs, according to official data reflecting the scope of joint operations in the national territory.
#Mexico | President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the latest claim by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said at the G7 summit that drug cartels are totally running Mexico, and she is “a very scared woman.”https://t.co/Mkqutnii3G
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 21, 2026
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