Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Mexican authorities have arrested two foreign nationals wanted by the United States on serious criminal charges, including fentanyl distribution and weapons possession. The arrests were confirmed by Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, through his official X account.
The suspects, identified as 51-year-old Aaron Wilkie Murphy and 45-year-old Hong Thoa Thi Nguyen, also known as “ThaoMurphy,” were detained in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Both individuals are considered priority targets by the U.S. government and have active extradition orders against them.
The arrests were the result of an extensive investigation and collaboration between Mexican security agencies and their U.S. counterparts. The Security Cabinet reported that intelligence-sharing efforts played a crucial role in locating the fugitives, who were using Puerto Vallarta as a transit zone.
Following their capture, authorities informed the suspects of their constitutional rights before placing them under the custody of the appropriate public prosecutor’s office. Legal proceedings are now underway to determine the next steps in their extradition process.
The operation involved multiple Mexican security agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the National Guard (GN), and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).
The Security Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation and bilateral security efforts with the United States, emphasizing the importance of coordinated actions in combating transnational crime.
Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, has seen an increase in law enforcement operations targeting organized crime in recent years. The latest arrests underscore the city’s role as a strategic point in illicit activities and highlight ongoing efforts to enhance security in the region.
