On Tuesday, July 28, federal authorities captured Adrián “N”—alias “El 20”—identified by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) as a key operative of the Pacific Cartel (Sinaloa Cartel).
In addition to controlling six municipalities in the state, authorities have implicated him in the 2016 attack that killed five soldiers, as well as in assaults on the Army during the operations to arrest Ovidio Guzmán in 2019 and 2023—events known as the “Culiacanazos.”
According to the National Defense, the operation was carried out in the town of Villa Unión, in the municipality of Mazatlán, following intelligence work by military headquarters.
The Mexican Army, National Guard, Navy, Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), and the Sinaloa State Secretariat of Public Security participated in a coordinated effort. “El 20” was arrested alongside one other person.
At the time of his arrest, authorities seized two 7.62mm machine guns, four long guns, 30 magazines, 2,158 rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, and various pieces of tactical gear. The detainees and the seized items were turned over to the FGR office in Mazatlán for the determination of their legal status.
