They capture in Mexico an operator of the Northeast Cartel linked to “The Lord of the Ships”
Fuel smuggling in Mexico leaves a strong economic impact and establishes links with organized crime organizations
Authorities detain José Antonio Cortés Huerta, 39 years old, identified by federal authorities in Mexico as the alleged leader of a cell linked to the Cartel Northeast (CDN), as part of the line of investigation on fuel smuggling networks, money laundering and illegal hydrocarbon trafficking in the northern of the country.
The operation was confirmed by Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), who reported that the actions derived from compliance with four search warrants carried out in different properties in Nuevo León.
“As a result, José Antonio ‘N’ was arrested, identified as the leader of a cell related to the ‘Northeast Cartel’, relates "da with operations with resources of illegal origin and fuel smuggling," García Harfuch noted on social networks.
During the deployment Rosario Flores Alemán, 41 years old,was also arrested. In addition, the federal forces seized weapons, drugs, vehicles, cash, computer equipment and seven tigers that remain under the protection of the authorities.
According to official information, the searched properties would be linked to Roberto Blanco Cantú, alias “The Lord of the Vessels”, identified as partner may legality of the company MEFRA FLETES, S.A. de C.V., investigated for the alleged marketing of hydrocarbons of illegal origin from the United States.
The federal authorities point out that this structure would be related to operations of the so-called fiscal huachicol, mode of fuel trafficking through illegal imports, simulation of documentation and tax evasion.
The investigation also connects Blanco Cantú with the seizure of the tank ship Challenge Procyon, intercepted in March 2025 in the port of Altamira, Tamaulipas, with approximately 20 million liters of fuel allegedly entered irregularly into the country.
According to the SSPC, Cortés Huerta would be one of the main operators of this criminal network and would be related to money laundering activities, hydrocarbon smuggling and illicit financial operations linked to organized crime.
Furthermore, as a result of the searches, one of the findings that drew the most attention was the location of seven tigers within the intervened properties.
In recent years, federal investigations have documented that members of criminal organizations use exotic animals as a symbol of economic power and territorial control.