In an interview on Radio Formula, Jalisco state Attorney General Eduardo Almaguer said that “it is presumed” that Ivan Archivaldo Guzman was one of six men kidnapped by a group of armed men. The new information claims that the victims of the kidnapping including Ivan Guzman Loera were all likely tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.
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The Mexican army, marines, federal police, state police and the country’s top prosecution office are searching for the missing men as well as those responsible, Almaguer said.
He said that seven men carrying long guns broke into the upscale restaurant “La Leche” (located on Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue, a popular tourist destination in Jalisco) and took the men in Guzman’s group. “At this moment, we have identified four of the kidnapped”, Almaguer said, “one of them being Jesus Alfredo Guzman”.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its large tourism industry.
In a press conference, Mexican authorities said the people who were kidnapped were part of a crime gang. They say Jesus Alfredo Guzman, 29, was one of six members of the Sinaloa Cartel seized by members of a rival gang, Jalisco New Generation.
They had been holidaying at the resort for a week and detectives found drinks and luxury items left behind inside the restaurant.
CJNG splintered off from the Sinaloa cartel in 2010, after the death of Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel, a local boss of the group.
“Ivan Archivaldo was, I believe, a bit insane”, said Raul Benitez, a political science specialist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, told The Associated Press.
The official would not elaborate further though he said authorities believe they know which groups were involved.
Hope also called it odd that a group of alleged cartel members would be taken without a shot being fired. To the residents and tourists in Puerto Vallarta, I’m informing you that we have reinforced security so your activities can return to normal.
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“We don’t condone any violence”, said Agustin Alvarez, the present general director of the board, “be assured that authorities are beefing up security”.
