The mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, Diego 'N', was detained for alleged extortion attempts against tequila companies like Becle, owner of José Cuervo and 1800 Tequila. The state government intervened to protect the firms and announced investments in the area. The case highlights vulnerabilities in the tequila industry, vital to Jalisco's economy.
In Tequila, Jalisco, municipal authorities led by Mayor Diego 'N' allegedly attempted to extort Becle, the world's largest tequila producer and owner of brands like José Cuervo and 1800 Tequila. According to the Jalisco government, the scheme involved demands for extraordinary payments, such as raising the annual property tax from 11 million pesos to 70 million, an increase over 500 percent, and additional charges of around 4 million dollars.
The pressures included threats of closures for alleged irregularities in civil protection and local regulations. Becle and nine other companies reported these acts to the state last year. In December, the mayor tried to shut down the 1800 Tequila plant, even turning off autoclaves used to cook agave, which Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro described as a potential tragedy risk.
Diego 'N', who took office in October 2024 for Morena, was arrested on February 5 along with the municipal Security Secretary and the property tax official. He faces federal charges for organized crime, plus accusations of turning a state museum into a personal residence, hiring a musical group that glorified the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the alleged kidnapping of a party militant. President Claudia Sheinbaum received direct complaints from businesspeople and residents.
Governor Lemus, from Movimiento Ciudadano, visited Tequila on February 10 and assured: “No act of extortion by any authority will be allowed.” He announced a 500 million pesos investment for infrastructure, tourism, and social programs, guaranteeing support to investors. Jalisco holds the majority of tequila production with denomination of origin, with annual exports exceeding 4 billion dollars. Becle has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 2017, is controlled by the Beckmann family, and exports to over 85 countries.
Experts like David Gómez Álvarez warn that scandals like this could harm Jalisco's reputation, a host for 2026 World Cup matches. The Mexican Employers' Confederation (Coparmex) notes that extortion has risen in 20 states and grown nearly 80 percent over a decade. Local businesspeople express relief over increased police presence, though they stress the need for security to attract premium tourism.
