Officers from the State Citizen Security Force (FESC) arrested Héctor Yovanhi Hinojosa Espinoza, 23, a leader of Sinaloa Cartel hit squads in the San Antonio de los Buenos district.
The arrest took place on Monday, June 15, in the Pedregal de Santa Julia neighborhood of Tijuana, Baja California. Authorities seized an assault rifle, tactical gear, and explosive devices restricted for military use.
The police intervention occurred when state agents spotted the suspect driving a gray Jeep Liberty with license plate B57NUJ9. After signaling him to stop for a routine inspection, the officers searched the vehicle’s interior, where they discovered items indicating a high level of danger.
During the inspection of the passenger compartment, authorities found a long gun made of black metal and plastic, equipped with various tactical accessories such as telescopic and iron sights, an integrated flashlight, a foregrip, and a rifle sling. The weapon bore the engraved alias or inscription “CALORCITO 12.”
Along with the rifle, FESC personnel seized a metal magazine marked “GRIG” containing 27 live .223-caliber rounds, as well as four other magazines loaded with the same quantity of ammunition of the same caliber.
The most critical discovery occurred in the rear of the vehicle, where agents found a cooler containing four hidden fragmentation grenades. Additionally, two black tactical vests were seized and secured; one of them was reinforced with ballistic plates.
Following his capture, Hinojosa Espinoza voluntarily stated to the arresting officers that he was responsible for coordinating hitmen in the San Antonio de los Buenos area. His primary duties included planning executions, organizing armed attacks against rival cells, and maintaining territorial control. Regarding the grenades, the detainee claimed he carried them for personal protection and for use in clashes with rival gangs.
Intelligence reports obtained by public security agencies indicate that the accused operated under the direct orders of an individual identified as Gregorio “El Gollo.”
The latter is closely linked to the criminal structure of René Arzate García, alias “El Aquiles,” whom federal authorities have identified as a key operator for the Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada faction—known as “La Mayiza”—along the country’s northern border.
The detainee, the weaponry, the explosives, and the seized vehicle were transported under strict perimeter security to be handed over to the Federal Public Prosecutor. This authority will determine his legal status and compile the corresponding investigation file regarding federal offenses.
