ARREST OF OSCAR LUCIANO MARTINEZ "EL 81" REPORTED IN CULIACAN SINALOA

In a significant development for regional security, authorities have reported the arrest of Óscar Luciano Martínez Larios, also known by the aliases "El 81" and "El Casco", in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Martínez Larios is identified by law enforcement officials as a prominent plaza boss for the criminal structure known as "Los Menores", an armed branch directly affiliated with "Los Chapitos" within the Sinaloa Cartel hierarchy. His area of influence primarily encompasses the municipalities of Rosario and Concordia, located in the southern corridor of the state.

The ongoing investigation stems from a violent incident recorded during the early hours of January 23, 2026, in the municipality of Concordia, Sinaloa, Mexico. An armed command forcibly entered a residential compound in the La Clementina neighborhood, a property rented by the Canadian enterprise Vizsla Silver Corp to accommodate technical staff working on the local Pánuco Project. During the breach, ten employees—including engineers, geologists, field supervisors, and security personnel—were deprived of their liberty.

Tragically, by February 9, 2026, corporate executives confirmed that several of the abducted workers were located deceased, prompting specialized federal and state task forces to intensify tracking efforts against the responsible armed cell. "Los Menores" operates as an enforcement mechanism designated to execute tactical patrols, secure operational perimeters, and contest territorial control against rival groups on behalf of the cartel leadership.

Ground operations conducted on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, across Concordia involved coordinated deployments by the Mexican Army, the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana, and local police units. These efforts led to the initial apprehension of two key suspects identified as Ángel Gabriel “N”, known as "El Tronco", and Milton Yair “N”. During the intervention, security forces confiscated high-caliber tactical equipment and heavy armaments:

• Multiple assault rifles and tactical gear
• Communication devices and specialized ammunition
• Vehicles used for illegal surveillance and territorial transport

Following their capture on site, both suspects were transferred alongside the seized contraband to the facilities of the Fiscalía General de la República in Culiacán, Sinaloa, where judicial proceedings continue to determine structural responsibilities concerning the attack on the mining staff.