La Barredora ("The Sweeper Truck") is a criminal gang based in the Mexican state of Tabasco and its surrounding territories. The criminal group came into existence during the rapid decentralization of Mexico's drug trafficking organizations and as a split-off group of the Beltrán-Leyva Cartel.[ Originally, the Beltrán Leyva cartel operated in Acapulco, but the group gradually lost presence in Acapulco. After the Mexican military gunned down the top boss of the cartel – Arturo Beltrán Leyva – in December 2009, his brother Héctor Beltrán Leyva took control of one of the factions of the cartel and declared war on Edgar Valdez Villarreal, who had long been the right hand of Arturo.][http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/internacionales/232229 , Policía mexicana captura al líder de la banda criminal "La Barredora", EFE, November 4, 2011]
The group's leader, Eder Jair Sosa Carvajal, nicknamed "El Cremas", founded the organization[ “Cayó líder del cártel La Barredora” Univision November 4, 2011]
The cartel's area of operations have centered on the resort area and port city of Acapulco.[ UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia, Mexico ] The cartel is known to battle its rival, the Independent Cartel of Acapulco (also an offshoot of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel) and to have links with the Sinaloa Cartel.[ Polarization and Sustained Violence in Mexico's Cartel War , American Security Watch, January 26, 2012]
Former Tabasco state Secretary of Public Security and aide to former governor Adán Augusto López, Hernán Bermúdez Requena is wanted for questioning regarding his ties and involvement with La Barredora. A warrant for arrest was issued the same day that is believed Bermúdez Requena fled Mexico and may be seeking protection in either Panama or Brazil. He is wanted by Interpol.
