Mexican cartel leader 'El Flaquito' arrested in Tijuana

(NewsNation) — An alleged leader of a violent drug trafficking organization in Tijuana, Mexico, was captured and arrested, a report said.

Pablo Edwin Huerta, known as "El Flaquito," was apprehended when federal forces surrounded him after a search.

Omar Hamid García Harfuch, secretary of security and citizen protection of Mexico, confirmed the arrest.

"In a coordinated action between @Defensamx1 and @FGRMexico in Tijuana, BC, elements of the Mexican Army arrested Pablo Edwin “N”, alias “Flaquito” and three other people in two different actions," Harfuch posted on X. "Pablo Edwin "N" is identified as one of the main generators of violence in the region, due to his control of drug trafficking routes to the United States."

During Huerta's arrest, drugs, weapons exclusively for the Mexican Army, magazines, ammunition, tactical equipment, vehicles and two properties were seized.

For years, Huerta managed to elude multiple assassination attempts, including one at a hospital where he even appeared dressed as a police officer.

Huerta, considered the main leader of the Arellano Félix cartel, had an extradition warrant out for his arrest.

He will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for transfer.