Alleged drug cartel leader arrested in Rosario for police officer's murder

Federal police arrested Eduardo Rodolfo Muñoz, 37, in Rosario, Argentina, identifying him as the alleged head of the drug trafficking organization responsible for the murder of Federal Police agent Rodolfo Manfredi on June 11. Muñoz had been a fugitive since the day after the crime, when an arrest warrant was issued for him.

His arrest followed the apprehension of his 17-year-old son earlier the same day in a different neighborhood. With these two arrests, four members of the Muñoz family are now in custody for their alleged participation in the ambush that killed Manfredi and critically injured fellow agent Emilio Gómez Villafañe.

National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced Muñoz's capture on social media, stating, "Moments ago we caught Eduardo Muñoz: fugitive from justice, leader of the Muñoz clan and participant in the murder of Federal Police agent Rodolfo Manfredi in Villa Banana, Rosario. We looked for him, we found him and we caught him."

The crime occurred in the Villa Banana settlement. Manfredi and two other agents were conducting an undercover patrol when they were reportedly identified by members of the organization. According to witness accounts and video surveillance, a group of at least ten individuals surrounded the officers, shouting at them before opening fire as they attempted to flee. Manfredi was shot three times in the back and died at the scene, while his partner was seriously wounded.