Sidekick of notorious Mexico drug lord arrested

Checkpoint · Apr 29, 2026 · 5m

The sidekick of a notorious drug lord who had an $8-million NZD bounty on his head has been arrested. Earlier this year, Mexico's most wanted man, a top cartel leader known as "El Mencho," was killed in a military operation. His death triggered a wave of violence across the country. Now, one of his top aides, nicknamed "The Gardener," has been captured after authorities found him hiding in a ditch. Correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen from Mexico City.