A U.S. federal grand jury expanded criminal charges against Audias Flores Silva, described by Mexican authorities as second-in-command of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors accused Flores Silva of methamphetamine trafficking and of conspiring to launder money, AP reported.
AP said Flores Silva was arrested on April 27 in the western state of Nayarit in an operation by Mexican Navy special forces. AP reported that the operation was based on information provided by U.S. agencies.
The Associated Press said Flores Silva had been originally charged in an August 2020 indictment with trafficking cocaine and heroin. The new grand-jury action expands the scope of the allegations the case will pursue.
Mexican authorities, AP reported, identified Flores Silva by the alias “El Jardinero” or “The Gardener.” AP said they also described him as head of security for CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
AP reported that Flores Silva later took control of some of the cartel’s operations in Nayarit, Jalisco, Mexico and Zacatecas. In that role, AP said he oversaw drug production and trafficking, including the operation of clandestine laboratories, and was linked to fuel theft and extortion.
AP also reported that his capture was viewed by authorities as a major blow to CJNG leadership and as a possible step in succession planning. AP said Flores Silva was identified as a possible successor to Oseguera Cervantes, who AP reported was killed in February in Jalisco in an army operation.
The Associated Press said the CJNG was designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. in February along with seven other criminal groups. AP reported that CJNG is considered the largest cartel in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states, and that its operations have also expanded to several countries, including the U.S.
If convicted, AP reported, Flores Silva could face between 10 years and life in prison.