Mexican authorities have apprehended an alleged organized crime figure, known as César Alejandro Sepúlveda Arellano, in the western state of Michoacan. He is connected to the murder of an influential leader of the region’s lime growers, Bernardo Bravo, who was killed in October 2022. The arrest, confirmed by Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in an area severely impacted by cartel violence.
García Harfuch announced on social media that Sepúlveda Arellano, commonly referred to as “El Botox,” is accused of extorting lime growers and being involved in multiple homicides. Authorities have issued 11 arrest warrants for him, primarily for extortion and murder. In addition to his alleged criminal activities, he has faced accusations of using explosives against law enforcement.
The suspect leads a criminal group known as the White Trojans, or Blancos de Troya, which reportedly collaborates with the Los Viagras cartel, an organization aligned with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. García Harfuch described Sepúlveda Arellano as “a priority target and generator of violence in Michoacan.” The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on him last August due to his criminal activities.
Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla stated that the arrest marks a significant victory against extortion in the state, which is Mexico’s leading producer of limes and avocados. The region has witnessed a surge in violence, particularly against individuals who oppose cartel control. Bravo, who served as president of the Apatzingan Valley Citrus Producers Association, had publicly denounced the “permanent commercial hijacking of any commercial activity” by organized crime.
The killing of Bravo was followed by the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo, another vocal opponent of cartel influence in Michoacan. A suspect associated with the Jalisco cartel was later arrested for Manzo’s murder. These high-profile killings prompted the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum to deploy additional military and police forces to the area.
In August 2023, the climate of fear intensified as over half of the lime packing warehouses in Michoacan temporarily ceased operations. Growers and distributors reported receiving extortion demands from cartels, including Los Viagras, seeking a share of their earnings. The situation has become dire as various criminal groups, some designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration, have expanded their tactics to include kidnapping and extortion, targeting residents and business owners.
In a striking example of the violence associated with cartel activities, Minerva Pérez, a fisheries industry leader, was murdered in July 2024 after voicing concerns about cartel extortion and illegal fishing. Her death occurred just hours after she highlighted the challenges posed by illegal competition.
The arrest of César Alejandro Sepúlveda Arellano signifies a crucial step in addressing organized crime in Michoacan. As authorities continue to confront the rampant violence in the region, the impact of these criminal organizations on local communities remains a pressing concern for both the government and residents.
