Mexican military and National Guard personnel arrested an alleged leader of a criminal organization in Ojinaga following an operation that authorities said involved intelligence shared with U.S. law enforcement.
Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense, known as SEDENA, identified the suspect as Epifanio N. and described him as an alleged local leader, or “plaza boss,” for a criminal group operating in the region.
Alejandro N., identified by authorities as Epifanio’s son, was also arrested during the operation.
According to SEDENA, the operation was planned using Mexican military intelligence and information exchanged with the U.S. Department of Justice through the U.S. Marshals Service. Personnel from Mexico’s National Guard, Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection and Attorney General’s Office also participated.
Authorities allege Epifanio was involved in drug production and trafficking as well as the smuggling of migrants from Mexico into the United States. He was also wanted under a provisional detention order for extradition to the United States in connection with drug trafficking offenses, according to the government’s account.
Mexican authorities said Epifanio also had ties to Sergio Pedro N., whom they identified as a regional leader of a criminal organization.
Authorities seized a property, five firearms, 16 magazines, about 400 rounds of ammunition and two vehicles during the operation.
Epifanio and Alejandro were turned over to the federal Attorney General’s Office in Chihuahua along with the seized property. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the men have not been proven in court.
