Grenade event in Baja California, Tijuana, Pedregal de Santa Julia area, Mexico on Mon 15th June 2026

Elements of the State Citizen Security Force ( FESC ) arrested Héctor Yovanhi Hinojosa Espinoza , 23 years old, head of cells of Hitmen of the Sinaloa Cartel in the San Antonio de los Buenos delegation . 

The arrest took place this Monday, June 15, in the Pedregal de Santa Julia neighborhood , in the municipality of Tijuana , Baja California , resulting in the seizure of an assault rifle , tactical equipment, and explosive devices for exclusive military use.

The police intervention occurred when state agents located the suspect while he was driving a gray Jeep Liberty with license plate B57NUJ9. After signaling him to stop for a preventive inspection, the officers proceeded to search the interior of the vehicle, where they found evidence of a high level of danger.

During the inspection of the passenger compartment, authorities located a long firearm, made of metal and black plastic, equipped with various tactical accessories such as telescopic and grain sights, an integrated flashlight, a foregrip, and a sling. The weapon's frame bore the engraved alias or inscription "CALORCITO 12".

Along with the rifle, FESC personnel secured a metal magazine with the inscription “GRIG” containing 27 live .223 caliber cartridges, in addition to four other magazines loaded with the same amount of ammunition of the same caliber. 

The most critical find was in the rear of the vehicle, where officers discovered a cooler containing four fragmentation grenades . They also secured two black tactical vests, one of which was reinforced with ballistic plates.

Following his capture, Hinojosa Espinoza voluntarily confessed to the arresting officers that he was in charge of coordinating hitmen in the San Antonio de los Buenos area . His main duties included planning executions , organizing armed attacks against rival groups, and maintaining territorial control. Regarding the grenades, the detainee claimed he was carrying them for his personal protection and for use in clashes with rival gangs.True crime documentaries

Intelligence reports obtained by public security areas indicate that the accused operated under the direct orders of a subject identified as Gregorio “ El Gollo ”. 

The latter is closely linked to the criminal structure of René Arzate García  “ El Aquiles ”, identified by the federation as one of the main operators of the Ismael " El Mayo " Zambada faction — " La Mayiza " — on the northern border of the country.

The detainee, the war materiel, the explosives, and the secured vehicle were transferred under strict perimeter custody to be placed at the disposal of the Federal Public Prosecutor, the authority that will be in charge of resolving his legal situation and integrating the corresponding investigation file for federal crimes.