Paraguay Arrests Top Mexican Jalisco Cartel Leader, Reveals Expanding Drug Routes

Paraguayan prosecutors arrested Hernán Bermúdez Requena, also known as “El Abuelo,” on September 12, 2025, in Mariano Roque Alonso.

Authorities say he is the suspected leader of “La Barredora,” a criminal group working with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels. Officials coordinated the high-profile capture with Mexican intelligence and anti-drug agencies.

Bermúdez, a former Secretary of Security for Tabasco, faces accusations of directing part of CJNG’s international operations. Mexican courts and Interpol issued a red notice that triggered his arrest.

He had moved across several South and Central American countries before settling in Paraguay, where authorities discovered his well-guarded home.

During the arrest, Bermúdez rejected voluntary extradition, so he now remains under strict pre-trial detention in Paraguay as the 60-day extradition process to Mexico begins.

This case shows how cartels use South America not just for drug routes, but also as a safe zone for operators on the run.

Paraguay’s role as a passage between Brazil and Argentina makes it a top target for criminal networks seeking to avoid law enforcement.

The arrest also highlights what happens when law enforcement and governments in the region work together.

Presidents and prosecutors in both countries made public statements emphasizing their zero-tolerance approach to organized crime.

Paraguay Arrests Top Mexican Jalisco Cartel Leader, Reveals Expanding Drug Routes

The story behind the headlines is about much more than one arrest. Bermúdez’s trajectory from a senior police role to alleged cartel leader shows the deep ties organized crime can form within government ranks.

Business leaders and ordinary people across Latin America watch cases like this with concern, since they affect both the economic environment and daily safety.

The sustained presence of high-level cartel operatives in new countries can destabilize local markets, increase corruption risk, and threaten international investment.

Paraguayan and Mexican authorities grounded this information in press conferences and judicial documents issued after September 12, 2025.

All announcements came from official sources. The story points to a new level of intergovernmental action against transnational crime, confirming that even high-profile fugitives will face justice.