In Tampico, Tamaulipas, an important apprehension took place in a joint operation between the Attorney General's Office (FGR) and the National Guard. In this action, Juan Miguel Lizardi Castro, known as 'El Metro 56', was captured, identified as one of the priority targets in terms of security in the Tamaulipas region. Lizardi was the leader of one of the factions of the Gulf Cartel called Los Metros, and he was considered a generator of violence in the area ranging from Reynosa to Río Bravo.
In the same operation, Roy James, nicknamed 'El Marino', suspected member of 'Los Ciclones', another faction of the Gulf Cartel, was detained. This criminal group is linked to drug trafficking to the United States, being one of the most influential organizations in this illicit activity in the region.
The arrest of 'El Marino' occurred after a joint operation carried out in Ciudad Victoria, involving the Army, the National Guard, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for organized crime, the criminal investigation agency, and the National Intelligence Center. During the operation, a search was conducted at the Hacienda de El Bosque, where Roy James was found in possession of weapons exclusive for Army use, explosive cartridges, and drugs. Prior to his involvement in crime, 'El Marino' had been part of the police in Tamaulipas.
Regarding this event, the division of the Gulf Cartel into six different factions is highlighted: Los Escorpiones, Los Ciclones, Los Metros, Los Rojos, Los Pelones, and Los Talibanes. These factions primarily engage in the trafficking of weapons from the United States and the smuggling of drugs, being illicit activities that generate significant violence in the region.
In another previous operation, in July, Antonio Guadalupe Pérez, known as 'El Escorpion 17', suspected leader of Los Escorpiones, another faction of the Gulf Cartel, was apprehended. The actions of these criminal organizations continue to be the target of pursuit by the authorities responsible for combating drug trafficking in Mexico.