Gulf Cartel Regional Leader Arrested in Yucatan After Fleeing to Mexico’s Southeast

Mérida, Yucatán — Mexican authorities have arrested a regional leader of the Gulf Cartel in the southeastern state of Yucatan, where he had fled to evade capture in his home territory of Tamaulipas.

José María Durán Chávez, known by the alias “El Chema,” was detained yesterday at 4 p.m. on the highway to Xcán, Yucatan, accompanied by a woman and carrying a suitcase containing money and drugs. Information about his arrest was only made public today as he was transferred back to Tamaulipas.

Durán Chávez served as the regional boss for the Gulf Cartel’s “liquid section,” which specializes in fuel theft, and controlled the southern zone of Tamaulipas state. Authorities considered him one of the three main operators for the Gulf Cartel’s operations in that state.

According to sources from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect is linked to kidnappings, organized crime, and money laundering. He had established himself in Yucatan, posing as a businessman and maintaining a low profile.

Following his arrest, authorities deemed him sufficiently dangerous to warrant air transport back to Tamaulipas, where he was handed over to a judge who had issued a warrant for him.

This is not Durán Chávez’s first encounter with law enforcement. In 2015, he was arrested for fuel theft and organized crime charges, but a judge released him after he posted bail.

His capture highlights how Yucatan is increasingly being used as a refuge for high-profile criminals. Other notable figures who have sought shelter in the state include:

• Miguel Aldrín, alias “Chaparrito,” linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and La Barredora.
• “El Patrón,” also linked to the CJNG.
• A female leader connected to the Caborca Cartel.

According to data from the Public Security Department, authorities have arrested 24 people linked to criminal cells in Yucatan since 2024, all of whom held significant rank and leadership positions within their organizations.