A Cartel Leader, For Whom The U.S. Had Offered A $5 Million Reward, Was Captured In Mexico

• 2.08.2026, 20:39

Federal forces, led by the Mexican Army, took part in the operation.

In the Mexican state of Michoacán, the leader of the “Los Reyes” cartel, Alfonso Fernández Magallón, known by the alias Poncho La Kiringua, has been arrested. This was reported by the local publication La Jornada, citing the Secretary of Security and Civil Protection, Omar García Arfucha.

The arrest operation took place in the town of Imbaracuaro in the municipality of Los Reyes de Salgado. Federal forces led by the Mexican Army participated in the operation, which was supported by two armed helicopters.
Magalona was taken to the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico City. U.S. authorities had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.
According to Arfuch, the detainee is charged with unlawful deprivation of liberty, organizing a rebellion, car theft, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Magalón is considered a close associate of Juan José Farias, nicknamed “El Abuelo”—the head of the Tepalcatepec cartel and founder of the self-defense militias in Michoacán. U.S. authorities have offered a $10 million reward for information on Farias.

According to authorities, the detainee is responsible for drone attacks on military personnel on January 19, 2025, in Cotiha; on June 15 in Tingundin; and on July 1 in Hakone.

Following Magalón’s arrest, members of the criminal organization set cars on fire in the municipalities of Los Reyes and Peribán and erected barricades on the Hakona-Los Reyes, Los Reyes–Periban, and Los Reyes–Uruapan. However, security forces quickly removed the barriers and restored traffic.