Authorities in Mexico have taken into custody the mayor of Tequila, Jalisco—a city renowned for its namesake drink—amid an investigation into extensive corruption, extortion, and links to the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG).
This operation was discussed in an official statement released on social media by Omar García Harfucci, a leading security official in Mexico. During this week, federal forces apprehended Tequila’s Mayor Diego Rivera Navarro along with three other city officials, as part of what’s called Operation Beehive. Additionally, three mayors from smaller towns in the state of Mexico were also arrested.
García-Harfucci mentioned that the investigation into Rivera-Navarro originated from an extortion operation aimed at alcohol and beer manufacturers, connected to CJNG activities. When authorities raided Rivera-Navarro, they also detained the local police chief, Juan Manuel Pérez Sosa, as well as the city tax chief and the public works director.
According to information shared by Mexican federal officials, Tequila city officials intended to utilize City Hall as a tool for blackmailing businesses, threatening sanctions and possible bureaucratic shutdowns. Those who resisted extortion sometimes faced violent repercussions from armed groups affiliated with the cartel. The money collected from these illegal activities was reportedly used for personal benefit.
The investigation also referenced a controversial performance by the group Alegres del Barranco, where they displayed banners and images praising CJNG leader Nemesio (Mencho) Oseguera. Federal agencies had already questioned Rivera-Navarro in connection with this case.
This raid in Tequila is part of Operation Beehive, an initiative led by Harfucci aimed at combating widespread extortion in Mexico, particularly involving public officials. Reports indicated that Tamaulipas, a border state, has become a significant area for corruption and extortion, with places like Matamoros even collecting taxes on behalf of the Gulf Cartel.
Reynosa, another border city in Tamaulipas, has similarly witnessed a notable rise in extortion efforts by various factions of the Gulf Cartel, alongside city officials.
