'El Jonah', Alleged Second-in-Command of a CJNG Veracruz Cell, Was Captured

“MX” for Borderland Beat

The Veracruz State Police managed to capture “El Johan”, who is identified as the second in command of a criminal cell of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) in Veracruz. This cell is lead by El Caner or El Kener, one of the main generators of violence in the city of Orizaba.

This CJNG cell maintains control of fuel theft, cargo theft, kidnapping, drug dealing, and extortion activities in the area. Criminal groups extort businesses in the area through derecho/cobro de piso (“user rights”), a form of extortion where businesses are forced to pay criminals periodically in order to be able to work. This is a tactic that is prevalent across Mexico, as reported by Borderland Beat.

El Johan was arrested after a warrant was issued for his capture. Authorities say that El Johan initially resisted arrest and shot at security forces during a vehicle persecution.

However, officials were able to neutralize his attack and arrested him in Emiliano Zapata neighborhood in Orizaba. He was found in possession of a handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, and a bulletproof vest. When his car was inspected, they noticed it was reported as stolen and that there was a narcobanner (narcomanta) signed by the CJNG inside.

El Johah is currently under investigation for drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, possession of a stolen vehicle, for conducting attacks against public servants and institutions.

During the past few years, this part of Veracruz was an important turf controlled by the Zetas Vieja Escuela (ZVE), a splinter group of the old Zetas cartel. However, the CJNG has been trying to take control of the turf. This has led to an increase in homicides, extortions, and kidnappings.

Sources: Milenio; Proceso