A joint operation by the Mexican Army, National Guard, and Ensenada Municipal Police led to the arrest of a man identified as “El Acuario” or “El Wili” in the Francisco Zarco delegation on Monday. Officers stopped the suspect while he was driving a 2008 Ford Fusion with California license plates in Colonia Artículo 115.
The arrest took place at the corner of Calle Diamante and Calle Prof. J.L. Villalobos. During the stop, authorities seized a loaded magazine containing live 9mm rounds for a handgun. The suspect’s name has not been officially released beyond his aliases.
Multi-Agency Operation in Rural Ensenada
The operation involved coordination across three levels of Mexican law enforcement: federal (Army), national (National Guard), and municipal (Ensenada police). This type of joint patrol has become increasingly common in Ensenada’s outlying delegations, where rural geography and limited local police resources make multi-agency efforts essential.
Francisco Zarco sits about 30 kilometers northeast of downtown Ensenada along the Ruta del Vino, the road that connects to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region. The delegation serves as a gateway for visitors heading to the valley’s more than 100 wineries and restaurants. Colonia Artículo 115, where the arrest occurred, is a residential neighborhood within the town.
California-Plated Vehicle Raises Cross-Border Questions
The suspect’s vehicle carried California plates, a detail that points to potential cross-border activity. Vehicles with U.S. plates are common throughout northern Baja California, driven by both Mexican nationals with ties to the U.S. and American residents. Possession of firearm ammunition in Mexico is a serious federal offense under the country’s strict weapons laws, which prohibit civilians from carrying military-caliber arms or ammunition without authorization.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect faces state or federal charges. Firearms offenses in Mexico often fall under federal jurisdiction, which could mean the case is transferred from municipal to federal prosecutors.
The arrest was first reported by Ensenada.net.