**”Delta 1,” Third in Command of CJNG, Faces Criminal Charges**
The Attorney General’s Office has successfully moved forward with legal proceedings against Armando Gómez Núñez, also known as “Delta 1” or ‘Máximo’, the reported third-in-command of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). On November 13, 2024, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) accused him of various crimes, including possession of methamphetamine, illegal firearms, and ammunition exclusive to the military.
Gómez Núñez was arrested by the National Guard in Zapopan, Jalisco, following an anonymous tip regarding illicit activities. Authorities found him with a loaded firearm, over a kilogram of methamphetamine, and additional ammunition. Taken into custody without incident at a Guadalajara intersection, “Delta 1” is now in custody awaiting further legal investigation, facing at least four months in preventative detention at the “Altiplano” federal prison.
The defendant is also known for his influence in penitentiaries and associations with a violent hit squad known as “Los Deltas”. His capture follows previous detention in 2020, where similar high-profile criminal charges were leveled against him. Despite multiple arrests and accusations, he had previously been released, raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement.
**Secondary Article:**
**Expanding Concerns Around CJNG Activities**
In the wake of Armando Gómez Núñez’s arrest, analysts are evaluating the ongoing implications of the CJNG’s influence not just in Mexico but across international borders. Reports indicate that the cartel has expanded drug trafficking operations into the United States and even Europe, facilitating a global methamphetamine distribution network.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has previously sanctioned the CJNG and several of its leaders under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. This action underscores the transnational nature of the group’s operations and the need for international cooperation in tackling organized crime.
Moreover, the CJNG’s involvement in other crimes, such as extortion, kidnapping, and bribery within law enforcement circles, poses additional hurdles for both Mexican and international authorities. The recent arrests and continued pressure by law enforcement agencies hint at potential disruptions within the cartel’s structure, but also illustrate the resilience and adaptability of organized crime groups.
Experts emphasize that sustained efforts, combined with strategic international partnerships, are essential to combatting the CJNG’s long-standing influence in Mexico and beyond.