Gang Leader Nabbed at Houston Airport; Was at Large for 3 Years on Human and Narcotics Smuggling Charges: Authorities
A prominent figure within the notorious international gang MS-13 was apprehended at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
According to authorities, Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, who is famously known as one of the original members of the notorious “Twelve Apostles of the Devil,” has been captured. The group grew to include 14 members and earned the name “Ranfla Nacional.” In the last two decades, MS-13 has been involved in a wide range of criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and murder.
After evading authorities for more than three years, Lopez-Larios was apprehended upon his arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on June 9, 2024.
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) worked together to make the arrest.
He is facing multiple charges, which include providing support to terrorists, financing terrorism, and planning violent acts that have crossed national borders. Lopez-Larios is expected to face formal charges in New York in the near future.
“With Mr. Lopez-Larios now in custody, he has been stripped of his alleged position of power and is no longer able to direct a reign of terror or support MS-13 and their cartel associates,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge Hawkins as reported by Click2Hosuton.
“The FBI is committed to working closely with our partners to ensure justice is served and to apprehend the remaining fugitives of this dangerous transnational criminal organization.”
Two additional high-ranking members of MS-13, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, are still evading capture. A $20,000 reward is being offered by the FBI and HSI for anyone with information that can help authorities capture the individuals in question.
