The Attorney General's Office of the Republic (FGR) achieved the linking of seven individuals belonging to a criminal group called 'Los Panchitos' in Michoacán. During the capture of the members, 23.6 kilos of marijuana, seven long firearms, 15 magazines, 386 useful cartridges, four cell phones, three vehicles, and vests with the emblem of the criminal organization were seized. A control judge accused them of possession of weapons and drug trafficking in Michoacán, while it is expected that in the process they may be charged with more crimes.
The arrests took place on the Pátzcuaro-Cuanajo highway, specifically in the community of La Vitela, in Pátzcuaro, as part of a joint operation between the Michoacán Prosecutor's Office, the Civil Guard, and the National Guard. It is anticipated that more information about 'Los Panchitos' will be provided soon.
Regarding their identification, 'Los Panchitos' of Michoacán are a criminal cell that has operated independently in the area, mainly linked to drug trafficking and possibly armed attacks. Although their name is relatively recent in the field of drug trafficking in Michoacán, reports of the operation of a cell led by Francisco 'N', alias 'El Panchito', have been noted since 2019, who was arrested after an armed confrontation with the police in Pátzcuaro.
Within the structure of 'Los Panchitos', it is mentioned that the seven detainees held specific roles in the criminal cell. Among them are Francisco 'El Panchito' Flores Torres, Densel Leonel Cruz Yáñez, José Isai Piñón Hernández, Leonardo Casanova González, Eduardo Malagón Tejeda, Cristian 'El Zetilla' Espinoza Ramírez, and Francisco Antonio Araujo Monroy.
Prior to their independence, 'Los Panchitos' collaborated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as their armed wing in Michoacán and later maintained alliances with Los Caballeros Templarios. However, they decided to go independently in the Pátzcuaro region. Currently, it is uncertain whether they maintain ties with other cartels or if they have conflicts with rival armed groups.