News

Tequila mayor arrested over alleged cartel-linked extortion of distillers

09 February 2026 By Ron Emler

Mexican authorities have arrested the mayor of Tequila on suspicion of running an extortion scheme targeting Tequila and mezcal producers. Investigators allege the operation involved collusion with the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The mayor of Tequila has been arrested by the Mexican authorities on suspicion of extorting distillers of Tequila and mezcal in collusion with the organised crime group, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The cartel is renowned for its violence, particularly around Tequila itself, the hub of the agave spirits industry.

Reuters reports that Mayor Diego Rivera was detained during federal raids alongside the town’s security director and the heads of public works and the land registry.

Corruption ring accused of targeting producers

They headed a corruption ring that targeted beer and Tequila producers in the municipality, security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said.

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Investigators said that Becle, the parent company of Jose Cuervo, the world’s largest Tequila producer, had been targeted by the gang. Reports suggest that the company had been forced to pay US$3 million to the racketeers.

Becle alleges excessive taxes and blocked permits

Becle, which is controlled by the Beckmann family, accused the mayor’s administration of imposing an exorbitant property tax up to 20 times the legal rate and a fine of more than 60 million pesos (US$3.45 million) while withholding permits and attempting to shut one of its plants.

Becle has not commented on the charges and the Tequila Regulatory Council said it did not have a position on the matter.