The criminal trajectory of “The Hummer”
In November 2008, the Federal Police arrested in ReynosaJaime González Durán, alias “El Hummer”, identified as one of the 14 founders and main leaders of the criminal organization Los Zetas. His influence extended to multiple entities in the country, with special control in Nuevo León, where he operated as regional coordinator.
Key roles in the criminal structure
As lieutenant of Osiel Cárdenas Guillén (leader of the Gulf Cartel), González Durán collaborated directly with notorious figures such as Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano (“El Lazca”) and Miguel Treviño Morales (“El L-40”). Federal intelligence placed him as the third man in the hierarchy, supervising operations in eight states and managing territorial disputes.
Military background and transition to crime
His profile contrasted with his military past: between 1991 and 1999, he was part of the Mexican Army, graduated from the Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales (GAFE), an elite unit trained in advanced combat tactics. Documents obtained by US agencies confirmed that his military card was issued in the Seventh Military Zone of Salinas Victoria.
Links to emblematic crimes
Investigations linked him to the murder of singer Valentín Elizalde Valencia in 2006, as well as to the expansion of Los Zetas in Nuevo León, an episode that preceded a wave of unprecedented violence in the region. Born in San Luis Potosí on June 22, 1976, his career illustrates the phenomenon of military desertion towards criminal groups.
Impact analysis
The case of “The Hummer” exemplifies the infiltration of military tactics in organized crime, where former military personnel provide knowledge in logistics, weapons and counterinsurgency. His capture in 2008 represented a partial blow to Los Zetas, although the organization maintained operations through successors.
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