There are conflicting reports regarding Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez—known as “El R-5” or “El Güicho” and leader of the Los Reyes Cartel in Michoacán—with some sources claiming he was killed and others stating he was arrested.
While reports suggest that Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez (“El R-5” or “El Güicho”), leader of the Los Reyes Cartel, was killed during a security operation carried out early Monday morning in the mountainous region of Michoacán, an image is circulating showing him in custody, detained by SEDENA personnel.
The tactical operation was led by the Mexican Army in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), with air patrol support provided by the Mexican Air Force.
To date, government agencies have not issued an official statement detailing the results of the operation or formally confirming the events.
Intelligence reports indicate that Barragán Chávez took over leadership of the Los Reyes Cartel following the capture of Alfonso Fernández Magallón (“Poncho la Quiringua”) a month ago.
“El R-5” was previously linked to the self-defense groups that fought against the Knights Templar Cartel (*Los Caballeros Templarios*) before establishing his own criminal organization.
Subsequently, the organization led by Barragán Chávez joined the alliance known as *Cárteles Unidos* (United Cartels), a coalition of local cells formed in Michoacán to halt the advance and territorial incursions of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
According to U.S. Department of Justice records, the Los Reyes Cartel operates as a key arm within the *Cárteles Unidos* structure—a network that international authorities link to violent disputes over strategic areas and operational incursions beyond Mexican territory.
