Members of the Armed Forces of Mexico have detained Edwin Antonio ‘N’, known as ‘el Max’, an alleged leader of a criminal cell linked to the ‘Mayo Zambada’ faction of the Pacific Cartel during an operation in which 19 alleged hitmen were killed.
The arrest took place in the rural community of Plan de Oriente, 11 kilometers from Culiacán, the capital of the northern state of Sinaloa, according to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena). The operation, framed within the "100-day plan", is part of the Federal Government's efforts to reduce levels of violence and strengthen the rule of law.
According to official information, the capture of 'el Max' occurred after an intense confrontation between the Army and an armed group of more than 30 men who opened fire on the soldiers in an attempt to prevent the detention of the alleged criminal leader. The military managed to repel the aggression, resulting in the death of 19 alleged hitmen, while the rest managed to flee.
During the operation, four machine guns, 17 long guns, five handguns, a Barrett rifle, ammunition of various calibers, 13 tactical vests, nine ballistic helmets, and seven vehicles were confiscated. All seized material was handed over to the Attorney General's Office in Culiacán for the corresponding investigations.
Regarding this event, military authorities have stated that they acted in accordance with the rule of law, respecting human rights and regulations concerning the use of force. "El Max" is considered one of the main promoters of violence in the region and is linked to several recent episodes of armed confrontations in Culiacán.
This arrest comes at a time when military presence in Sinaloa has intensified, a crucial state in drug trafficking operations. The Army, Air Force, and National Guard reaffirmed their commitment to continue combating criminal organizations in the country, with the goal of ensuring security and peace for the population.
