A clash between military forces and alleged criminals in Tocumbo, in the western area of Michoacán, has resulted in at least two deaths, both civilians, according to sources close to the event confirmed to EL PAÍS. Tocumbo is a neighboring town of Los Reyes, stronghold of the Cartel de Los Reyes, a local criminal organization linked to the former criminal federation Carteles Unidos, supposedly led by Juan José Farias, alias El Abuelo, from the municipality of Tepalcatepec. Sources from the State of Michoacán point out precisely that the dead are “apparently” the leader of the Cartel de Los Reyes, Luis Enrique Barragán, alias Wicho, “and an alleged bodyguard,” a detail yet to be confirmed. Authorities have not provided official information on the matter.
Read more Hansi Flick: “We do not expect more signings”
This summer, federal authorities arrested the other visible head of the Cartel de Los Reyes, Alfonso Fernández, alias Poncho. The possible fall now of Wicho would be a tremendous blow against one of the most important criminal structures in the central part of Michoacán, where agricultural activity is very significant, with the cultivation of avocado and berries, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Wicho – like Poncho – is also wanted by United States authorities for trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and for carrying firearms.
News developing…