Mexico has arrested a suspected drug trafficker from Hungary, who was considered one of the most wanted men in Europe, as part of efforts to crack down on organized crime.
János Balla, 48, also known by the alias Dániel Takács, was arrested in the southern state of Quintana Roo. The news was confirmed by Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.
According to authorities, Balla was wanted by Hungary on charges related to trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances, and a "red notice" had been issued against him by Interpol, which requests international cooperation for the arrest of wanted persons.
Mexican authorities announced that the arrest was made thanks to cooperation with Hungarian security agencies, as well as through intelligence work and field investigations, which led to the identification of his location.
Following his arrest, Balla was handed over to the National Migration Institute in Mexico to determine his immigration status and to continue controlled deportation procedures to Europe. It is not known whether he has legal representation.
This arrest is considered one of the most important operations during the presidency of Claudia Sheinbaum, who has toughened her approach to drug cartels, distancing herself from the softer policy of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Its government has taken stronger measures against organized crime, even in the context of pressure from the United States and President Donald Trump, who has called for tougher action against drug trafficking.
However, Mexican authorities emphasize that recent results, including high-profile arrests, demonstrate the effectiveness of the new strategy against the cartels. In parallel, cooperation with the United States continues, including the transfer of suspects to stand trial on American territory.
