Mexico President Praises Capture of Drug Trafficker ‘R1’

President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the capture of a drug trafficker known as “R1” during a security operation in Uruapan, Michoacán ^[1].

The arrest serves as a key test for the administration's new security strategy, which emphasizes scientific methodology and inter-agency coordination to combat organized crime.

Sheinbaum highlighted the role of the newly created Security Cabinet in the operation. She said the success of the mission demonstrates a shift toward a documentary-based approach to law enforcement, moving away from previous tactics to rely on coordinated efforts between federal and state authorities ^[2].

To ensure continued stability in the region, the president said she instructed Omar García Harfuch to maintain contact with Grecia Quiroz, the current municipal president of Uruapan ^[3].

“Aplaudo la captura del 'R1' y el trabajo del Gabinete de Seguridad,” Sheinbaum said ^[3].

While the Mexican government emphasized its own methodology during the July 7 ^[1] announcement, other reports have raised questions regarding international involvement. Some accounts suggest the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation may have played a role in related high-profile captures, such as that of “El Mayo” Zambada ^[4]. When addressing conflicting reports about such operations, Sheinbaum asked, “¿Quién mintió?” ^[4].

The administration continues to promote the efficacy of the Security Cabinet as the primary engine for dismantling criminal networks across the country.