Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed the capture of “El Pantano”, alleged extortionist of lemon trees in Apatzingán and murderer of Bravo Manríquez.
– Information in development
Mexico City, October 21 (However).- In follow-up to the homicide of the lemon leader Bernardo Bravo Manriquezpresident of the Association of Citrus Growers of the Apatzingán Valleythe owner of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, confirmed the detention of Rigoberto “N”, alias “He Swamp“, identified as the operational head of a criminal group dedicated to collecting fees and extorting lemon producers in Apatzingan, Michoacanand alleged responsible for the murder.
The arrest was carried out during an operation led by elements of the Secretariat of National Defense (Defense), in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the National Guard (GN), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) of Michoacán and local authorities.
According to him statementRigoberto “N” was identified as “operational head of a criminal cell dedicated to the collection of fees and extortion from lemon trees.” The authorities located him after intelligence work derived from the homicide of Bravo Manríquez, which occurred yesterday in the municipality of Apatzingán.
As a result of investigative work after the murder of Bernardo Bravo, leader of citrus growers in the region, an operation was carried out in Michoacán led by elements of @Defensamx1in coordination with @FiscaliaMichauthorities of the @GabSeguridadMX and of @GobMichoacan,… pic.twitter.com/vImUgQekFx
— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) October 21, 2025
The body of the lemon leader was located inside his vehicle, on the road that leads to the community of Los Tepetates. The State Prosecutor’s Office reported: “We are carrying out investigations into the murder of Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, president of the Association of Citrus Growers of the Apatzingán Valley.”
According to reports published in the media, Rigoberto “N”, alias “El Pantano”, would be an alleged operator of the criminal cell “Los Blancos de Troya”, a group linked to “Los Viagras” and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In addition, he is accused of being the alleged mastermind of the murder of Bravo Manríquez and responsible for extorting lemon producers in the region.
At the time of his arrest, “El Pantano” was carrying three different credentials, including two driver’s licenses and an identification from the Apatzingán Valley Citrus Growers Association. He was informed of his rights and placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry agent, who will determine his legal situation.
In #Michoacan A man responsible for demanding quotas from lemon producers was arrested. pic.twitter.com/t3okoojlC2
— Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (@SSPCMexico) October 21, 2025
The institutions that make up the Security Cabinet reiterated their commitment to work in a coordinated manner to stop generators of violence and combat impunity.
The Municipal Government of Apatzingán also spoke out after the murder: “We strongly condemn any act that threatens the life, peace and well-being of our people. As a Government, we ask the competent authorities to promptly clarify the facts and provide justice for those who have been victims.”
Bernardo Bravo was recognized for his defense of the countryside and producers in the face of high production costs, natural phenomena and insecurity in rural areas. In recent years, citrus growers in Michoacán have denounced the presence of criminal groups that impose quotas and control the lemon trade, especially in Apatzingán, Buenavista and Tepalcatepec.
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