Secretary Omar García Harfuch gave details of the arrest of “El Pantano”, an alleged extortionist of lemon trees in Apatzingán who would be linked to the recent murder of Bernardo Bravo Manríquez. The President of Mexico promised justice in the case.
Mexico City, October 21 (However).- In follow-up to the homicide of the lemon leader Bernardo Bravo Manriquezpresident of the Association of Citrus Growers of the Apatzingán Valleythe owner of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, confirmed this Tuesday the arrest of Rigoberto “N”alias “The Swamp”identified as the alleged operational leader of a criminal group dedicated to collecting fees and extorting lemon producers in Apatzingan, Michoacanand who is identified as one of those responsible for the murder of the lemon leader.
The capture was carried out during an operation led by elements of the Secretary of National Defense (Defense)in coordination with the SSPCthe Secretary of the Navy (Semar)the National Guard (GN)the Attorney General’s Office (FGR)the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) of Michoacan and local authorities.
According to a statementRigoberto “N” was identified as “operational head of a criminal cell dedicated to the collection of fees and extortion from lemon trees.” The authorities located him after intelligence work derived from the homicide of Bravo Manríquez, which occurred yesterday in the municipality of Apatzingán.
As a result of investigative work after the murder of Bernardo Bravo, leader of citrus growers in the region, an operation was carried out in Michoacán led by elements of @Defensamx1in coordination with @FiscaliaMichauthorities of the @GabSeguridadMX and of @GobMichoacan,… pic.twitter.com/vImUgQekFx
— Omar H Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) October 21, 2025
The body of the lemon leader was located inside his vehicle, on the road that leads to the community of Los Tepetates. The State Prosecutor’s Office announced yesterday: “We are carrying out investigations into the murder of Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, president of the Association of Citrus Growers of the Apatzingán Valley.”
According to reports published in the media, Rigoberto “N”, alias “El Pantano”, would be the alleged operator of the criminal cell “Los Blancos de Troya”, a group linked to “Los Viagras” and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In addition, he is accused of being the alleged mastermind of the murder of Bravo Manríquez and responsible for extorting lemon producers in the region.
At the time of his arrest, “El Pantano” was carrying three different credentials, including two driver’s licenses and an identification from the Apatzingán Valley Citrus Growers Association. He was informed of his rights and placed at the disposal of the agent of the Public Ministry (MP), who will determine his legal situation.
In #Michoacan A man responsible for demanding quotas from lemon producers was arrested. pic.twitter.com/t3okoojlC2
— Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (@SSPCMexico) October 21, 2025
The Municipal Government of Apatzingán also spoke out after the murder: “We strongly condemn any act that threatens the life, peace and well-being of our people. As a Government, we ask the competent authorities to promptly clarify the facts and provide justice for those who have been victims.”
Today, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (CSP) assured that “there must be justice in this case”, which is why the entire Security Cabinet is “supporting the Prosecutor’s Office and the Government of Michoacán to be able to reach those responsible.”
“The death of this lemon marketing and production leader is very sad and regrettable. Today the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection presented a long presentation, and there must be justice in this case,” she said after being questioned about the issue during her morning press conference from the National Palace.
🚨⚠️ We started an investigation folder for the murder of the President of the Association of Citrus Growers of the Valley of Apatzingán.
— Attorney General’s Office of Michoacán (@FiscaliaMich) October 21, 2025
Sheinbaum Pardo shared that he will ask Harfuch to issue a new statement to explain everything about the protection that the lemon tree had and “the measures that also have to be taken for the family.”
Bernardo Bravo was recognized for defending the countryside and producers against high production costs, natural phenomena and insecurity in rural areas. In recent years, citrus growers in Michoacán have denounced the presence of criminal groups that impose quotas and control the lemon trade, especially in Apatzingán, Buenavista and Tepalcatepec.
Finally, the institutions that make up the federal Security Cabinet reiterated their commitment to work in a coordinated manner to stop generators of violence and combat impunity.