Gulf Cartel Leader 2025. Jose alberto garcia vilano, also known as la kena or ciclon 19, the gulf cartel leader of the matamoros faction, has been apprehended in a shopping center in san pedro garza garcia, an upscale suburb in monterrey,. The gulf cartel is perhaps the oldest organised crime group in mexico and is known for intimidating local civilians and being particularly violent.
The gulf cartel is headquartered in matamoros, tamaulipas, mexico. Treasury department has sanctioned five individuals linked to mexico’s gulf cartel for illegal fishing activities in u.s.