### Surge in Murders by CDS in Baja California
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This month, the crime dynamics have shifted in Baja California. The targeted executions are now focusing on members of criminal cells rather than just shootouts at drug peddling hotspots. According to a member of the Baja California Peace and Security Coordination Team, the recent increase in homicides, particularly in Tijuana, primarily involves mid-level operatives responsible for logistics and strategy, rather than top leaders.
“There’s a lot of betrayal. They know each other, they know whom they work for, and they are being eliminated,” the official noted, acknowledging a rising death toll. July saw an increase of 20 deaths compared to May, and August is on track to finish with 10 more victims than July 2023.
The nature of these attacks is becoming increasingly bold. “They left many banners to show their power,” said the authority, explaining that these messages were not made public to avoid empowering the groups. Moreover, several homicides have occurred on major thoroughfares during rush hour, causing traffic congestion and drawing more public attention to the violence.
Areas such as Santa Fe and Zona Centro have been particularly affected in recent months. During the last two weeks, the Municipal Police and Narcomenudeo Prosecutor’s Office have executed dozens of raids to arrest criminals and reduce homicide rates, although success has yet to be seen.
The ongoing murder spree, initiated by brothers Alfonso and René Arzate of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s faction of the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS), primarily targets leaders and members of the Arellano Félix Cartel (CAF). This has contributed to an elevated murder rate since May 2023.
At a conference on August 20, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), highlighted that six states, including Baja California, account for 44.4% of the 17,660 murders committed in Mexico during the first seven months of 2024. Baja California ranks third with 1,424 victims.
However, these are statistics from the Executive Secretariat. According to recent data from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) provided to the Coordination Group, Baja California had recorded 1,598 homicide victims by August 21, 2024, with 1,454 occurring between January and June and 144 more in the first three weeks of August.
### Sinaloa Hitmen Targeting Currency Exchange Owners
On the night of August 15, Néstor Castañeda, 41, was shot while driving in Santa Fe. Fortunately, he survived the attack initiated by two motorcyclists who blocked his path and opened fire. Castañeda managed to escape and drove to Hospital del Carmen for treatment.
On August 19, a second assassination attempt occurred as Castañeda was heading to the FGE office, accompanied by his wife and a bodyguard. The attackers fired 22 rounds from two different calibers at a traffic light. Municipal Police arrested two suspects shortly after the attack.
Jonathan Daniel de la Cruz Ochoa and José Ángel Sánchez Vázquez, the arrested parties, belong to a criminal cell under the command of the Arzate brothers (CDS). They admitted to assisting in the attack but not to the shooting.
Authorities found connections between these hitmen and a previous shooting incident from November 27, 2023, involving a State Investigation Agency officer, Salvador Vargas, who had been investigating drug thefts.
Castañeda, a native of Guerrero according to municipal police, and from Michoacán per the FGE, claims ownership of two currency exchange businesses in Zona Río Tijuana. He said he had not received threats or extortion demands and that the bodyguard was suggested by his business partner for protection. His businesses are registered as “Centro Cambiario Bellas” under federal economic regulations.
Similarly, other exchange business owners have faced violence and threats. Omar Ayón Díaz and Adán Rodríguez Guevara, both associated with the CAF, also experienced targeted attacks.
Authorities continue to search for the identity of “El Moreno,” a key figure commanding the criminal cell linked to these violent incidents.
### Increased Violence in Central Tijuana
On August 16, Óscar Luvio Adame executed a shooting in the Zona Norte area that resulted in one serious injury and two minor injuries. Surveillance footage captured the incident, leading to Luvio Adame’s arrest.
Further incidents were reported in the Zona Centro, where two men were found dead inside a stolen vehicle on August 18. The incident appeared to be linked to inter-cartel violence, with messages from CAF left at the scene.
In response, local authorities are ramping up efforts to curb the rising violence, conducting raids and increasing patrols in high-risk areas such as Santa Fe and Zona Centro. Challenges remain as cartel-on-cartel violence continues to escalate.
### Secondary Article: Rise in Extortion and Violence among Tijuana’s Small Business Owners
Recent months have seen an alarming rise in extortion and violence targeting Tijuana’s small business owners. Criminal gangs demand “protection money” from businesses, and those who refuse to comply face violent retaliation.
This surge in extortion attempts has severely impacted local entrepreneurs. Many have had their properties damaged or have received death threats. In some cases, business owners have been abducted or killed when they could not meet the extortion demands.
The National Confederation of Employers (Coparmex) has called for increased security measures and greater support for small business owners in Tijuana. They emphasize that the current situation threatens the very foundation of the local economy. As violence escalates, the need for effective law enforcement and community support becomes increasingly critical.
Local business owners are urging the government to take immediate action to ensure their safety and protect their livelihoods from the rising tide of criminal activity.