A control judge has ordered automatic pretrial detention for Audias Flores Silva, alias 'El Jardinimento,' an alleged lieutenant of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), following his arrest in Nayarit. The defendant was transported by land in a convoy escorted by the Criminal Investigation Agency to the Altiplano maximum-security prison in Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) reported.
The judicial authority ruled the arrest of the individual, identified as one of the criminal organization's key leaders, to be lawful. According to El Universal, the criminal proceedings focus on charges of possession of firearms and magazines reserved for exclusive use by the Armed Forces.
The FGR confirmed that Flores Silva appeared via videoconference before a judge at the Federal Criminal Justice Center. During the hearing, the Federal Public Prosecutor, assigned to the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO), formally brought charges against him. The defense requested an extension of the constitutional period, with a decision on whether to formally bind him to the criminal process expected by the weekend.
Financial Operations and Extortion Network
Audias Flores Silva is identified as a key figure in the CJNG's economic structure. According to El Financiero, the Michoacán-based boss operated across states such as Nayarit, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Zacatecas, with Puerto Vallarta serving as one of his primary operational hubs.
Investigations suggest that the faction led by 'El Jardinero' generated the largest share of the organization's revenue. El Financiero reported that this group coordinated cocaine trafficking from Central America via illicit maritime and air routes, while also managing an extortion ring targeting transport companies across the country.
The flow of illicit capital—also derived from kidnappings, property theft, and arms trafficking—was reinvested into luxury assets. These included properties, ranches, aircraft, yachts, and businesses involved in agricultural production and tequila distilleries. These operations were carried out under the direction of César 'N', alias 'El Güero Conta,' who served as Flores Silva's financial operator.
The Capture of 'El Güero Conta'
The arrest of 'El Jardinero' took place simultaneously with the capture of his primary financial operative. According to El Financiero, National Guard elements detained César 'N' on April 27 at his residence following technical surveillance conducted by federal forces.
At the time of the operator's arrest, authorities seized a long gun, 50 rounds of ammunition, 1,000 doses of methamphetamine, and 60,000 pesos in cash. The FGR's investigation into the financier had been underway since July 2024.
In addition to the weapons charges, the FGR noted that Flores Silva is subject to an arrest warrant for extradition purposes requested by United States authorities. According to El Financiero, the DEA has linked the detainee to the supervision of drug laboratories, illegal airstrips, and the distribution of synthetic drugs in states including California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Washington, and Virginia.
The FGR reiterated in a statement that "the individual mentioned in this communication is presumed innocent until a conviction is issued by the competent judicial authority."
