A ‘narcomensaje’ (drug cartel message) found on a placard in Hermosillo, Sonora, linked *corridos tumbados* singer Natanael Cano to the operational structure and financing of Los Salazar, an organized crime faction active in northwestern Mexico.
The discovery of the message resulted in an explicit death threat against the singer issued by a rival cell known as “Grupo Bélico Mata Salas.” In Mexico, influencers and singers—particularly those in regional music and its subgenres—are key figures used by organized crime to launder money obtained from drug sales, extortion, kidnapping, and robbery.
The Sonora State Attorney General’s Office (FGJES) has included the placard as evidence in the investigation regarding the attack and arson at the Hermosillo Multi-Use Center (CUM), which occurred on August 28, 2026. The item was found next to the body of Jesús Bernardo, who was executed the day after the incident at the venue.
According to the prosecution’s inquiries, the evidence was presented during the formal arraignment hearing for Daniel Ernesto, César Abdiel, and Jesús Salvador, who are accused of the aggravated homicide of Jesús Bernardo—a crime involving premeditation, an unfair advantage, and extreme brutality.
Investigations indicate that the *narcomensaje* was placed by the rival group to expose content creators and regional music artists who provide financial resources, publicity, and logistical support to the Los Salazar faction through their performances. The message discovered by state forensic experts was handwritten in red, blue, and black ink and contains the following warning addressed to the performer and other collaborators:
“This is a formal notice to all influencers and artists of Regional Mexican music and *corridos*: if you support the Los Salazar group at any event that generates financial gain for them, we will execute you at an event. And as for those providing publicity—Olympus—don’t be taken in by false promises; and you, Natanael Cano, stop acting like a tough guy—snap out of your delusions. Signed: Grupo Bélico Mata Salas.”
Investigative authorities are keeping the case file open to address the involvement of those implicated in the violent incidents at the CUM and to assess potential links between the local music industry and the criminal organizations vying for control in the state.
