A supervisory judge has ordered the formal prosecution and mandatory pretrial detention of 12 individuals identified as members of a faction of the “Los Caballeros Templarios” (Knights Templar) cartel operating in Uruapan, Michoacán. The detainees allegedly formed a network dedicated to the systematic extortion of livestock farmers, butcher shops, and avocado packing plants in the region, demanding payments in both cash and kind.
The investigation was launched last June by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO)—part of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR)—following a report from U.S. authorities.
The case led to 11 simultaneous raids carried out in Uruapan by the FGR, the Mexican Army, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, and the National Guard. Authorities noted that the Federal Ministerial Police also provided support.
The formal charges leading to their prosecution include possession of firearms, ammunition, and magazines restricted for exclusive use by the armed forces, as well as drug-related offenses. The operation that resulted in their capture led to the seizure of six firearms, vehicles, a signal jammer, tactical gear, narcotics, and cash.
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, stated at a press conference on August 11 that the 12 detainees were directly involved in the physical collection of extortion payments from producers and transporters.
