By Roberto Bustamante
The United States expanded the charges against Audias Flores Silvaalias “The Gardener”identified by US authorities as one of the main operators of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and indicated as a possible successor to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantesalias “El Mencho”.
According to the superseding indictment presented before a federal jury in the District of Columbia, US authorities added crimes related to methamphetamine trafficking and conspiracy to launder money, in addition to previous charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin in US territory.
The US Department of Justice maintains that Flores Silva participated in the shipment of large quantities of drugs to the United States and in the movement of illicit resources generated by the operations of the CJNG.
The new accusations could lead to a life sentence if found guilty.
“El Jardinero” was arrested on April 27 in Nayarit during an operation led by special forces of the Secretary of the Navy, with support from US agencies.
After his capture, he was transferred to the Altiplano federal prison, where he remains while the judicial process related to his possible extradition to the United States continues.
Newspaper reports indicate that prison leader’s extradition remains temporarily suspended due to legal resources promoted by his defense, including an amparo trial.
US authorities consider Audias Flores Silva a key figure within the structure of the CJNG, a prison organization dedicated to drug trafficking, weapons and money laundering.
In recent years, “El Jardinero” gained notoriety for his alleged control of methamphetamine laboratories and transportation routes between Mexico and the United States.
Keep reading:
– This is the enormous ranch that served as a fortress for “El Jardinero” before his capture.
– Authorities in Mexico capture the CJNG leader for whom the US offered $5 million.
