Labor Union Leader Denies Links to Sinaloa Cartel

The head of one of Mexico’s prominent labor unions has refuted claims connecting his newly detained associate to the Sinaloa cartel, which is implicated in extensive extortion activities involving ranchers and truck drivers. Reports indicate this individual served as the union’s regional secretary.

Edgar Rodriguez Ortiz, referred to in criminal circles as “El Limones,” is thought to lead a faction of the cartel called Los Cabrera Sarabia, closely allied with the Mayos group. Mexican security forces apprehended him earlier this week in Durango during an operation against the cartel. The nation’s chief security official, Omar García Halfucci, stated that El Limones faces scrutiny for allegedly extorting local business owners and ranch owners, as well as for orchestrating financial activities for his cartel faction.

Post-arrest, authorities moved El Limones to Mexico City, where he is currently awaiting trial in a high-security federal prison. His detention has sparked significant debate since various leaks and reports identified him as the regional general secretary of CATEM, one of the country’s largest labor organizations.

In light of these allegations, CATEM’s leader, Pedro Jaces, issued a video denying any association with El Limones, asserting that reports of such connections are unfounded and driven by political motives.

However, more images and videos circulating in Mexico portray a close relationship between the union leader and the suspected cartel figure, adding complexity to the situation.