Morelia, Michoacán.- Rodimiro Sánchez Maciel, also known as “El Garrobo,” identified as the leader of hitmen for the so-called “Zicuirán Cartel,” was arrested in the municipality of Múgica.

The individual, 33 years old, was apprehended by elements of the Mexican Army and the State Civil Guard in the heart of the municipal headquarters and placed in the custody of the federal prosecutor’s office in Apatzingán.

Two long guns and several dozens of cartridges of different calibers as well as magazines were seized from the detainee.

According to official reports, “El Garrobo” would be under the command and in the inner circle of trust of Miguel Ángel Gallegos, also known as “El Migueladas,” leader of the criminal organization that operates in part of the hot land and mountainous region of Michoacán.

The Zicuirán Cartel announced its emergence in 2019 and operates in towns and municipalities such as La Huacana, Zicuirán, Tumbiscatío, Las Cruces, Arteaga, and Nueva Italia under the command of Miguel Ángel Gallegos Godoy, alias El Migueladas.

This individual emerged publicly as an important cantaloupe producer and later became associated with the self-defense group led by José Manuel Mireles.

However, intelligence reports later identified him as the leader of a criminal organization, and he was even mentioned as the successor to Servando Gómez, alias “La Tuta.”

His criminal activity includes extortion and the collection of protection money from producers in the region.