Function: view, Mexican drug cartel and organized crime syndicate. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dallas Police Department and the Garland Police Department; the U.S. The Knights Templar Cartel indoctrinates its operatives to "fight and die" for the cartel. [1] He was a close friend and associate of Osiel Crdenas Guilln, the former leader of the Gulf Cartel.[2]. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. An official website of the United States government. Everyone should know: this is divine justice.". Line: 192 It doesn't kill women. Mexican federal policestand by a blockade set up by gunmen overnight in Morelia as the government hunted down La Familia drugcartel leaders. He faces a statutory sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and up to a $4 million fine on the drug conspiracy count. The Mexican justice department stated in a report that Gonzalez Moreno has made Eldredge's book Salvaje de Corazn (Wild at Heart) required reading for La Familia gang members and has paid rural teachers and National Development Education (CONAFE) to circulate Eldredge's writings throughout the Michoacn countryside. Moreno Gonzlez, who was killed on December 9, 2010,[35][36] seems to have based most of his doctrine on a work by Christian writer John Eldredge, using his own understanding of the idea in Eldredge's message that every man must have "a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live." After his arrest, members of LFM attempted to free him, and although unsuccessful, a shootout ensued through the streets of Morelia, Michoacan. A reporter who spent time with him told El Blog del Narco, After sentencing him (the victim) to death, he orders him to bathe, and even to shave his whole body and let him de-stress for two or three hours, even better sometimes he gave them a bottle of whisky to relax, then he ordered a very quick death so there is no adrenaline in the meat to prevent it getting bitter or hard.. The Public Prosecutor's Office has said the find is strange, as the CJNG is mostly active in Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas States. Don't miss out!! This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. He purportedly has written a religiously tinted book of values for the cartel, sometimes known as "The Sayings of the Craziest One.". There is speculation the CJNG moved in after confrontations with authorities in Mexico State left La Familia Michoacana weakened or both cartels agreed to a non-aggression pact. Leadership Currently, Hector Garcia, alias "El Player," is believed to control the Familia Michoacana operations in Guerrero and the state of Mexico, although it is unclear how much power the criminal group currently posesses. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Now, La Familia Michoacana uses drug proceeds to fuel their agenda that encompasses a Robin Hood-type mentality -- steal from the rich and give to the poor," the statement said. The other reputed La Familia leader is former school teacher Servando Gomez. The DEA and The US Attorneys Office are working around the clock to combat the loss of life due to Medina and the continuing threat posed to our communities by the remnants of the La Familia Michoacn., The cartel leadership in Mexico is not immune from our reach, said U.S. Attorney Parker. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Infobaereports that five of those detained are men and three are women, while another is a minor under 15 years of age. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Rueda-Medina was arrested in Michoacn, Mexico on July 11, 2009, and was extradited to the United States on January 27, 2017. This story originally appeared onThe Sunand was reproduced here with permission. "Diverse pieces of information obtained during the raid all indicate that Nazario Moreno Gonzalez was killed yesterday," Poire said in a televised news conference. The governor's half-brother Julio Csar Godoy Toscano, who was elected July 5, 2009 to the lower house of Congress, was accused of being a top-ranking member of La Familia Michoacana drug cartel and of providing political protection for the cartel. La Familia Michoacana, (English: The Michoacn Family) La Familia (English: The Family), or LFM is a Mexican drug cartel and organized crime syndicate based in the Mexican state of Michoacn.They are known to produce large amounts of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories in Michoacan.Formerly allied to the Gulf Cartelas part of Los Zetasit split off in 2006. "It purportedly originated to protect locals from the violence of drug cartels. But he started small. Inside the history of cannibalism in Mexican drug cartels, where teen enforcers are fed crack before feasting on the organs of their victims. La Familia Michoacana, (English: The Michoacn Family) La Familia (English: The Family ), or LFM [3] [4] is a Mexican drug cartel and organized crime syndicate based in the Mexican state of Michoacn. [12] After Rosales' arrest in 2004, Nazario Moreno Gonzlez seized control of the gang and in 2006 [13] severed ties with the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas in an effort to take control of Michoacn from any external influences, marking the birth of an independent La Familia Cartel and starting a turf war against their former allies. After Alpizar's arrest, La Familia Michoacana declared war in the state of Mexico. But it grabbed national attention in 2006, after reportedly hurling five decapitated heads of rival gang members onto a dance floor. IE 11 is not supported. "La Familia Michoacn Drug Cartel Leader Sentenced to 43 Years in Federal Prison", "La Familia: Another Deadly Mexican Syndicate", "La Familia Drug Cartel: Implications for U.S.-Mexican Security", "Hola companeros hermanos de la Familia Michoacana", El crtel de La Familia Michoacana est dispuesto a desaparecer, "Cops: Chief of La Familia Cartel Nazario Moreno Believed Dead After Shootout", "Focus on the Family' outreach: Mexican drug decapitation cartel La Familia demand and preach James Eldredge's 'Muscular Christianity', "La nueva fe de los narcos: La Familia, "Salvajes de Corazn". The alleged death of Nazario Moreno Gonzlez on December 9, 2010, led to a split among cartel leaders Jos de Jess Mndez Vargas, Enrique Plancarte Sols, and Servando Gmez Martnez. LFM was responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States through border checkpoints near Laredo, Texas and Tijuana, Mexico and delivered to stash locations in the Northern District of Texas and elsewhere. [61], In July 2011, the United States Department of Justice announced that a 20-month-long operation known as "Project Delirium" had resulted in more than 221 arrests of La Familia cartel members in the United States, along with significant seizures of cash, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. President Caldern stated that the country's drug cartels had grown so powerful that they now posed a threat to the future of Mexican democracy. But Mexican authorities say the ideology advocated by the cartel's leaders includes banning members from consuming drugs and alcohol with the goal of keeping a tighter emotional grip on subordinates. Authorities say the dog discovered the fugitive hiding in . Cartel members were arrested across the United States, and face charges in Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.[62] This announcement came just a month after Mexican authorities announced the capture of cartel leader Jos de Jess Mndez Vargas.[63]. [12], On 24 March 2010, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rosales Mendoza under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (sometimes referred to simply as the "Kingpin Act"), for his involvement in drug trafficking along with fifty-three other international criminals and ten foreign entities. A total of 47 sacks filled with human remains were taken away for forensic examination, local media reported. [37][38] La Familia cartel emphasizes religion and family values during recruitment and has placed banners in areas of operations claiming that it does not tolerate substance abuse or exploitation of women and children. The infusion, which more than tripled the number of Federal Police officers patrolling Michoacn, angered Michoacn Governor Leonel Godoy Rangel, who called it 'an occupation' and said he had not been consulted. More than 300 federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies contributed investigative and prosecutorial resources to Project Coronado through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. At this point Valencias cartel split into two factions, one of which eventually emerged around 2009 as the powerhouse cartel in Jalisco state. La Familia has a strong rivalry with both Los Zetas and the Beltrn-Leyva Cartel, but strong ties with the Sinaloa Cartel of Joaquin Guzman. The shooting took place when members of the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Mexico and members of the National Guard fought with armed members of La Familia Michoacana. [13][19][20] Several leaders split off after his death to form the Knights Templar.[21]. This group is known to have military style weapons obtained from their cartel connections in the United States and Mexico. However, its roots date back to the 1980s when it was formed as a group of vigilantes looking to bring order to the state of Michoacan. #yummytreats #icecream Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Both men's and women's clothing were found at the site. The investigative efforts in Project Coronado were coordinated by the multi-agency Special Operations Division, comprising agents and analysts from the DEA, FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. He would then devour the mans buttock flesh in tamales after it had been cooked in lemon and served on toast. Rueda-Medina was also ordered to pay a $5 million fine. But Mexican authorities said he was squarely in their cross-hairs this week. My office will continue to devote our time, energy, focus and expertise to helping disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations with our law enforcement partners in the United States and abroad to stem the flow of deadly drugs into our country and stop the violence inflicted by people like Rueda-Medina. On February 25, 2010, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rueda-Medina under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation (Kingpin Act) for his involvement in drug trafficking. It found infamy for its extreme brutality in 2006 when a group of gunmen stormed a nightclub and tossed five decapitated heads on to the dancefloor. (CNN) -- An alleged drug cartel boss killed in clashes with Mexican authorities was also a "spiritual leader" who used religion to recruit criminals and strengthen his stronghold, according to a Mexican government report. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Function: view, File: /home/ah0ejbmyowku/public_html/application/controllers/Main.php The Government of Mexico also provided assistance in the investigation and in securing the extradition of Rueda-Medina to the United States. LFM was responsible for trafficking methamphetamine into the United States through border checkpoints near Laredo, Texas and Tijuana, Mexico. The drug proceeds that were collected were delivered to cartel members or associates in Mexico either by way of bulk cash smuggling in vehicles utilized by LFM couriers or through money remitters such as Western Union. Carlos Rosales Mendoza's body was found with . Published: Jul. [38], On July 16, 2009, Servando Gmez Martnez (La Tuta), the cartel operations chief, contacted a local radio station and stated: "La Familia was created to look after the interests of our people and our family. The act also prohibits U.S. citizens and companies from doing any kind of business activity with Rueda-Medina, and it virtually froze all of his assets in the United States. Dec. 11, 2010 12 AM PT. History. La Familia began its operations in the state of Michoacan at the beginning of the decade, the country's national security spokesman told reporters Friday. On July 13, 2009, a group of 12 officers were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. He is believed to be one of four bosses in that state for the organization, which according to investigations by the Federal . His men managed to free 25 inmates, but Rosales Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of masterminding the jailbreak and spent the next decade in prison. The eccentric leader of the notorious La Familia drug cartel was killed in a shootout during two days of fighting between federal police and gunmen that terrified civilians across a western Mexican state, the office of Mexican President Felipe Calderon said Friday. [13] However, his authority was disputed by the cartel co-founders Enrique Plancarte Sols and Servando Gmez Martnez (La Tuta),[19] who formed an offshoot of La Familia calling itself Caballeros Templarios (Knights Templar). Among those arrested was the presumed leader of the cartel, Jaime Luis 'El Pozolero' - who is accussed of kidnapping a woman in Tenancingo last year. [5] He was arrested twice, on 24 October 2004,[6] and on 5 August 2014, and set free in late 2014. It specialises in the production and trafficking of methamphetamine. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. [20], On 22 May 2014, Rosales Mendoza was released from prison in Jalisco after fulfilling his ten-year sentence for illegal possession of firearms, organized crime, and drug trafficking. President Felipe Caldern's government refuses to strike a deal with the cartel and rejected their calls for dialogue.[41][42]. And in a particularly twisted initiation ritual, young members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel were forced to eat the hearts of murder victims. They are known to produce large amounts of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories in Michoacan. Outside of the United States, the operation resulted in the arrest of more than 1,900 members. [21] On 5 August 2014, he was arrested again by state authorities at a restaurant in Morelia, Michoacn,[22] but was released shortly after without charges. Alma Antonia Caldern Garca, dubbed "Cartel Queen," who is the wife of a high-ranking member of the group was arrested by authorities last week. The death of Nazario Moreno Gonzalez nicknamed "The Craziest One" is a major blow to a drug cartel that burst into national prominence four years ago by rolling severed heads into a nightclub and declaring that its mission was to protect Michoacan state from rival gangs and petty criminals. [20] Mexican Attorney General (PGR) reported that La Familia Cartel was "exterminated" by 2011. At this time it only operated as a wing of the Gulf Cartel but officially formed as a stand-alone rival group in 2010. DALLAS - "La Familia Michoacn" (LFM) Mexican drug cartel leader, Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, aka "La Minsa," 48, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to serve a total of 520 months in federal prison and a $5 million fine for offenses related to his leadership role within LFM. La Familia Michoacana, (English: The Michoacn Family) La Familia (English: The Family), or LFM[3][4] is a Mexican drug cartel and organized crime syndicate based in the Mexican state of Michoacn. Below we take a look at some of the main gangs that have terrorised Mexico since the inception of the states war on the cartels in 2006. Stunnedpolicecame across the bizarre and gruesome scene following a firefight between authorities and cartel members in the town of Texcaltitlan, central Mexico, just over 60 miles southwest of the capital, Mexico City. He carried a "bible" of his own sayings and insisted that his army of traffickers and hitmen avoid using the narcotics they produce and sell. LFM was responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States and delivered to stash locations in the Northern District of Texas and elsewhere. Having established its authority, it then names local police chiefs. Mexican authorities put a $2 million bounty on Moreno's head in March 2009. In 2017, former La Familia leader Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, who was arrested in Mexico in 2009, was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 45 years in prison in 2018 after being convicted on drug trafficking charges. The Mexican government's dossier describes him as the brains behind a large number of killings. La Familia Michoacana was one of the strongest and fastest growing cartels in Mexico.[24]. Police were led to a number of different locations including the warehouse in Tenango del Valle. The drug proceeds that were collected were delivered to cartel members or associates in Mexico either by way of bulk cash smuggling in vehicles utilized by LFM couriers or through money remitters such as Western Union. Suspected members of the cartel set trucks and buses ablaze on highways to block approaching federal police during the clashes -- a reaction that Mexican authorities said was a sign that they were closing in on high-profile targets. [6][8] The cartel was founded by Carlos Rosales Mendoza, a close associate of Osiel Crdenas. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement(ICE) Homeland Security (HSI) provided special assistance. [10][11] Nazario Moreno's partners were Jos de Jess Mndez Vargas, Servando Gmez Martnez and Enrique Plancarte Sols, each of whom has a bounty of $2 million for his capture,[12] and were contesting the control of the organization. ", "Slo jefes menores, los detenidos o muertos en das pasados en Michoacn: testigos protegidos", "Rosales estaba ligado a Osiel Crdenas: PGR", "Mexican Police Arrest La Familia Drug Cartel Bigwig", "Lder de Zetas y Familia sale de la crcel", "Detienen a fundador de 'La Familia Michoacana', "DESIGNATIONS PURSUANT TO THE FOREIGN NARCOTICS KINGPIN DESIGNATION ACT", "An overview of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act", "Mataron a Carlos Rosales, El Tsico, en Michoacn", "PGJ: Asesinato de fundador de 'La Fmilia', tras reunion con autodefensas", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carlos_Rosales_Mendoza&oldid=1007264006, This page was last edited on 17 February 2021, at 06:04. Mexicos drug gangs are believed to be responsible for around 150,000 deaths that involve some of the most appalling torture and depravity imaginable. Reporting from Mexico City . [39] It also sells unlicensed DVDs, smuggles people to the United States, and runs a debt-collecting service by kidnapping defaulters. [57], On October 22, 2009, U.S. federal authorities announced the results of a four-year investigation into the operations of La Familia Michoacana in the United States dubbed Project Coronado. Like other cartels, La Familia used the port city of Lzaro Crdenas, Michoacn to import narcotics from Peru and Colombia. At least 29 people died in clashes between cartel members and security forces. It doesn't kill innocent people, only those who deserve to die. Line: 24 In a brief statement, Calderon's office confirmed Moreno's death. [10] The cartel gives loans to farmers, businesses, schools and churches,[40] and it advertises its benevolence in local newspapers in order to gain social support. By Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times. This story has been shared 102,822 times. La Familia came to the foreground in the 1990s as the Gulf Cartel's paramilitary group, designed to seize control of the illegal drug trade in Michoacn state from rival drug cartels. But he said that the government's offensive would continue, noting that more armed forces were on the way to the area. It has been known that La Familia has certain connections with the Flores Camargo cartel, a small drug trafficking group that operates in Atlanta. Nazario Moreno Gonzalez dubbed himself the "savior of the people," according to a office of Mexico's president. High ranking Cartel figures operating in the North Texas area will not be tolerated, said Special Agent in Charge Shelley. Know that this is divine justice."[48]. Rueda-Medina was arrested in Michoacn, Mexico on July 11, 2009, and was extradited to the United States on January 27, 2017. [3] Several others were wounded. The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday issued new sanctions against Mexico's La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel and its leaders, brothers Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga, alias 'El Pescado' and Jose . While it initially trained with Los Zetas,[23] in 2006 the group splintered off into an independent drug trafficking operation. Tuesdays bloody raid involved dozens of heavily armed police as well as troops from the army, the navy and the National Guard. This led the former leaders of La Familia Michoacana, Plancarte and Gomez, to form the Knights Templar cartel,[21] while Jess Mndez kept the leadership of the formerly disbanded La Familia Michoacana. The announcement was made by Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas. Another adult was also hospitalized, but no details have been given about them. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, List of Mexico's 37 most-wanted drug lords, "A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border", As ATF nominee, U.S. Attorney Jones faces distrust from some agents, judges, prosecutors, "La Familia, un cartel que se volvi un Estado paralelo", "A Mexican Cartel's Swift and Grisly Climb", "Teetotal Mexican drugs cartel claims divine right to push narcotics", "Mexicans march in support of 'Craziest' kingpin", "Mexico offers $2 million for top drug lords", "Prevn arrecie lucha por lugar del 'Chayo' en Michoacn", "La Familia Michoacana Retreats, Offers to Disband", "Matan a alcalde mexicano antes de elecciones en su estado", "Los Caballeros Templarios responsables del asesinato del Alcalde Ricardo Guzmn", "Surgieron cuatro grupos del narco en 2011; el chapo es el mas poderoso", "Templarios dominan Michoacn, donde habr elecciones el da 13", https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13586, "One capo falls, others move in - Mexico Unmasked". The Knights Templar Cartel (Spanish: Los Caballeros Templarios) was a Mexican criminal organization originally composed of the remnants of La Familia Michoacana drug cartel based in the Mexican State of Michoacn.. Here's the latest from Assistant Republican Leader Beeler: 12 Jan 2023 21:53:09 [10][47] In one incident in Uruapan in 2006, the cartel members tossed five severed heads onto the dance floor of the Sol y Sombra night club along with a message that read: "The Family doesn't kill for money. The body of the founder of one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels, La Familia Michoacana, has been discovered on a motorway with signs of torture. A locked padlock Garca was arrested by authorities in Tierra Caliente after she was caught transporting big quantities of drugs. [7][14][15][16], While preparing to liberate Osiel Crdenas Guilln from prison, a squadron of about 150 soldiers in the Grupo Aeromvil de Fuerzas Especiales (GAFE), the special forces unit of the Mexican Army, arrested Rosales Mendoza in the capital city of Morelia, Michoacn on 24 October 2004. The Los Zetas is considered one of the most dangerous of the cartels and has dealt in drug trafficking since its inception in 1999. The U.S. announcement singled out the Hurtado brothers as co-leaders of La Nueva Familia Michoacana criminal organization. [1] He was a close friend and associate of Osiel Crdenas Guilln, the former leader of the Gulf Cartel. Officials also seized bulletproof vests, military uniforms and communication equipment. Authorities seized various weapons including 20 assault rifles,handguns, ammunition and vehicles in the operation, and also took the body of the monkey away. A locked padlock The CJNG, led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, denounced in a video broadcast on social networks that those who executed the 20 victims were hosts of the leader of the Familia Michoacana, Medardo Hernndez Vera alias el Cien or Lalo Mantecas; They pointed to the coordination with Daniel Correa, head of the cell that bears his last name. Alfredo Castillo, the federal security commissioner for gang-ravaged Mexican state Michoacan, claimed the practice was not widespread but did occur. Officials say Moreno played a key role in La Familia's philosophy -- frequently displayed on banners hung in public places -- which claims to protect the state's people. They have made several arrests but have never been able to locate Flores Camargo's heads. Mexico State, however, is the turf of the rival cartel La Familia Michoacana. During this time it went by the name MataZetas, or Zetas killers, and once dumped the bodies of 35 tortured dead Zetas on the side of a road. [28][29][30][31][32][33] La Familia's boss and spiritual leader Nazario Moreno Gonzlez, (a.k.a. This practice came to prominence when a 16-year-old and 17-year-old were captured by cops and admitted what they had done, according to El Pais. A message left with the heads declared: "La Familia doesn't kill for money, doesn't kill women, doesn't kill innocents. It was in 2015 reports first emerged of hopeful gang members being forced to devour rivals hearts as part of a twisted initiation ritual. Mexican animal rights group Animal Lawyers warns that organized criminals often mistreat the exotic pets that they keep, many of whom are unable to adapt to the new habitat they find themselves in. When asked what La Familia really wanted, Gmez replied, "The only thing we want is peace and tranquility." Officials are now working to identify the victims. [22] In its initial incarnation, La Familia formed as a group of vigilantes, spurred to power to counter interloping kidnappers and drug dealers, who were their stated enemies. [15][16] As of 2011, La Familia Michoacana still exists, mostly active in Estado de Mexico,[17][18] despite the killing of its founder and leader Nazario Moreno Gonzlez. La Familia Michoacana (The Michoacano Family) is a Mexican drug cartel. [49] The cartel has moved from smuggling and selling drugs and turned itself into a much more ambitious criminal organization which acts as a parallel state in much of Michoacn. 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