The Mexican Navy's special forces have arrested Audias Flores Silva, nicknamed “El Hardinero“, in the state of Nayarit, for whose capture the US had offered a $5 million reward, announced the Minister of Public Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfush.
“During an operation planned, developed and executed by the special forces of the Ministry of the Navy, Audias Flores Silva, also known as “The Gardener“, was arrested in the state of Nayarit“, the minister wrote in X.
He added that there was an outstanding arrest warrant against the detainee in Mexico and he is wanted by US authorities for extradition. Harfouch expressed gratitude to the Mexican military for their courage, discipline and dedication during the operation.
According to Milenio, "The Gardener" was the leader of the "New Generation of Jalisco" cartel and is listed as the likely successor to the group's former leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho", who was killed in February 2026 by Mexican security forces during an arrest attempt. Flores Silva was responsible for the cartel's logistics, security and territorial expansion.