Mexican authorities have arrested a man believed to be notorious Sinaloa Cartel boss Adrián 'N', better known by his alias 'El 20', in an operation carried out by the Army, Navy, National Guard, and other security forces.
Capture in Villa Unión
The Mexican Ministry of National Defense announced the arrest of Adrián N., who has been a target after being linked to a 2016 military attack that saw five soldiers of the Mexican Army killed. The operation took place in the Villa Unión area of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on Tuesday, July 28.
El 20 is allegedly the leader of the Pacific Cartel, an organization that works for the Sinaloa Cartel faction Los Chapitos, led by Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán's sons.
Link to Previous Attacks
El 20 has also been linked to attacks against the military during the 2019 and 2023 operations to capture Ovidio 'El Ratón' Guzmán, son of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. His arrest comes nearly 10 years after he was accused of the murders of the soldiers.
According to a statement by the Mexican Ministry of National Defense, El 20 was arrested with one other person, whose identity has not been revealed.
Seized Items and Impact
Multiple items were seized during the raid: two 7.62mm machine guns, four long guns, 30 magazines, 2,158 rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, and various tactical equipment, according to Mexican outlet El País.
El 20's arrest is seen as a major capture as he reportedly held key influence in organised crime throughout Mazatlán, Villa Unión, El Palmito, El Rosario, La Concordia, and Escuinapa.
The Mexican Ministry of National Defense statement read: 'This significant result against key operatives of the "Pacific Cartel" adds to the arrest of Gabriel "N" (a) "Gabito", who is linked to the kidnapping and murder of 6 workers and 4 suppliers of a mining company in the state of Sinaloa, on January 23, 2026, as well as the disappearance of 4 tourists from the State of Mexico on February 3, 2026 in Mazatlán, Sinaloa; and to the death of Cristhian "N" (a) “Texas”, plaza boss in Culiacán, Sinaloa, during an operation to arrest him, representing a significant impact against the operational and logistical capabilities of this criminal group.'
The detainees and seized items were placed at the disposal of the Attorney General's Office based in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, to continue investigations.
