Mexican authorities have launched a manhunt for a high-ranking Gulf Cartel leader suspected of orchestrating the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed. The suspect, José 'La Kena' García, is believed to lead a cell known as 'The Cyclones' operating in Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
The four South Carolina residents—Latavia 'Tay' McGee, Shaeed Woodward, Zindell Brown, and Eric James—were abducted last Friday while travelling to Matamoros for a medical procedure. Video footage showed cartel members forcing them into vehicles. McGee and James were found alive on Tuesday in a stash house, while Woodward and Brown were discovered dead at the same location.
García, also known as 'Ciclón 19', is one of the most wanted suspects in Tamaulipas, with a reward of 2.4 million Mexican pesos (approximately $139,000 USD) offered for information leading to his capture. Authorities believe he has been using the alias Gilberto de la Rosa to evade arrest.
The Gulf Cartel, which has been active since the 1930s, initially smuggled alcohol during Prohibition before expanding into drug trafficking. The group is estimated to have generated billions in profits under previous leaders.
