Chapitos Cartel Faces Setbacks Amid Key Arrests, Internal Conflicts
The criminal structure of The Chapitos, the faction led by the children of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has suffered considerable blows in recent months. Security leaders and financial operators have been apprehended by authorities, weakening their operational capabilities. since the beginning of the internal war inside the Sinaloa cartel on september 9, 2024, the network of operations controlled by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s children has been increasingly strained, particularly that of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar.
Recent Arrests Target Key Operatives
In recent days, authorities have dealt notable blows to the Chapitos’ organization with the captures of key figures. José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias “The Güerito,” and Kevin Alonso Gil Acosta, alias “200,” both operators closely associated with Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, were apprehended. These arrests add to the capture of Mauro away from Núñez Ojeda, “El Jando”, a pilot also linked to the organization.
Key Figures Still at Large
Despite these setbacks, some key figures remain in command, continuing the war against both authorities and rival factions within the cartel, known as the Mayiza. These individuals are instrumental in holding together the criminal group, which was recently designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United states government.
International Connections: The Gulf Clan Alliance
The Chapitos’ operations extend beyond Mexico, forging alliances with international criminal organizations. One such alliance is with the Gulf Clan, Colombia’s largest criminal organization, which supplies cocaine to the Sinaloa cartel. The current leader of the Gulf Clan, jobanis de Jesús Ávila Villadiego, alias ”Bad Chiquito,” born in 1977 in San Pedro de Urabá, Antioquia, plays a crucial role in this partnership.
Ávila’s criminal career began in the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and later transitioned to the Urabeños, where he rose to become a commander in the Urabá region, controlling drug transport to central America. Following the capture of Dairo Antonio Úsuga, alias “Otoniel,” in 2021, Ávila assumed leadership of the Gulf clan.
His connection with the Sinaloa cartel strengthens the alliance between both groups, who have collaborated for years in international drug trafficking. This collaboration provides the cartel with weapons, money, and mercenaries trained in military tactics by Colombian ex-paramilitaries, known as Bacrim.
Fentanyl Trafficking and Key Players
The Chapitos are heavily involved in the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States. Samuel León Alvarado is identified as one of the primary traffickers of fentanyl, distributing it in American territories, including Los Angeles, Ohio, michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Alvarado is accused of collaborating with Ovidio Guzmán López, also known as El Mouse, in the distribution of approximately 80 kilograms of fentanyl in the Los angeles area. The U.S. Department of State and the DEA have identified León Alvarado as a key fentanyl trafficking leader,involved in the production,storage,and distribution of the substance in both pill and powder form. In 2023, a Federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of New York formally indicted him on charges of conspiracy to import fentanyl, possession of machine guns, and conspiracy to launder money.
U.S. authorities are actively seeking León Alvarado and have offered a $1 million reward for facts leading to his capture. His role within the organization also connects him to other cartel operatives, including Noel Pérez López, liborio Núñez aguirre (aka El Karateca), and Luis Javier Benítez Espinosa.
According to Milenio, Alvarado is considered hazardous due to his established base in Culiacán and his capacity to mobilize forces, as demonstrated during the Culiacanazo incident.
Other key Figures in the Chapitos Network
Several other individuals play critical roles within the Chapitos’ organization:
- Pedrito Loaiza N.: Son of pedro Loaiza, a prominent figure in sinaloan drug trafficking, Pedrito maintains a close relationship with the Chapitos. He participated in the planning of El Chapo’s escape in 2015 and operates primarily in Sinaloa, controlling key routes in the Sonora desert. He also manages customs operations in Belize.
- Juan Pablo Lozano N., Known as El Camarón: A significant trafficker of high-powered weapons for the chapitos, Lozano holds dual Mexican and American nationality. His capture is valued at approximately 20 million pesos. authorities believe he is responsible for supplying weapons such as Barret .50 caliber rifles, AK-47s, and explosive drones, enhancing the organization’s firepower.
Conclusion: A Cartel Under Pressure
The Chapitos cartel is facing mounting pressure from both internal conflicts and external law enforcement efforts. The arrests of key operatives, coupled with the ongoing war within the Sinaloa cartel, have created significant challenges for the organization. While some key figures remain at large, the cartel’s ability to operate effectively is undoubtedly compromised. The alliance with international criminal groups like the Gulf Clan underscores the complex and far-reaching nature of their operations, even as authorities continue to target their leadership and infrastructure.
DEA Offers $4 Million Reward for Sinaloa Cartel Lieutenant ‘El Panu’
the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced a reward of up to $4 million for information leading to the capture of Óscar Noah Medina González, also known as “El Panu.” Medina González is a high-ranking lieutenant within the Sinaloa Cartel, closely associated with Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, one of “The Chapitos.” he is wanted on charges including conspiracy to import fentanyl, money laundering, and possession of military-grade weaponry.
Medina González’s role within the Sinaloa Cartel involves coordinating uprisings in Sinaloa whenever cartel leaders face capture. His deep roots within the organization and past associations with key figures make him a significant target for law enforcement.
El Panu’s Criminal Indictment and History
In April 2023,a federal jury in the southern District of New York formally indicted El Panu on multiple charges. These include conspiracy to import fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid fueling the opioid crisis in the United States, as well as money laundering, and possession of weapons reserved for military use and organized crime groups. These charges underscore the severity of his alleged criminal activities and the threat he poses.
Medina González is a veteran of the Sinaloa cartel,with past ties with both zambada and Dámaso López Núñez,aka the graduate. He was also related to the tapia family, of the golden triangle, known for his experience in drug trafficking for Guzmán Loera and his support for El Mayo.
The DEA’s $4 million reward highlights the urgency and importance of apprehending Medina González, placing him among the agency’s top 10 most wanted individuals in the United States.
Liborio Núñez Aguirre: Another key Target
The DEA is also targeting Liborio Núñez Aguirre, known as “El Karateca,” who U.S. authorities identify as a primary figure responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the United States, both in pill and powder form.
Like Medina González, Núñez Aguirre was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of New york in April 2023. The charges against “El Karateca” include conspiracy for fentanyl trafficking,possession of long weapons and destructive devices,and money laundering. Due to his perceived danger and significant role in drug trafficking, a $1 million reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.
Reportedly, the properties of this 67-year-old man serve as hiding places and shelters, And his enormous fortune allows him to negotiate with the authorities without major consequences, according to military sources.
Internal Strife and betrayal within the Sinaloa Cartel
The Sinaloa cartel has faced internal challenges, including betrayals, deaths, and arrests, creating power vacuums within its ranks. These events have led to shifts in the organization’s structure and operations, particularly among “The Chapitos.”
José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias “El Güero,” was apprehended on February 19, 2025, during a joint operation by the National Defense and the National Guard in Culiacán, Sinaloa. The arrest occurred in the area of Los Quintos and involved low-altitude helicopter flyovers.
“El Güero” was a close associate of Iván archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, leader of “The Chapitos.” He was responsible for coordinating logistics and drug trafficking activities for the cartel and leading an armed group known as “Los Chimales,” which provided security for the organization. his capture is considered a significant blow to “The Chapitos,” given his high rank within the criminal structure.
Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, alias “The Perris,” was a key operator for ”The Chapitos” and a high-ranking hitman within the Sinaloa Cartel. His role made him a crucial figure for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar’s leadership.
However, in early 2025, “The Perris” reportedly betrayed “The chapitos.” According to security reports, “The Perris” switched allegiance and allied with “El Pine,” providing information about his former allies.
Conclusion
The DEA’s pursuit of Óscar Noah Medina González and Liborio Núñez Aguirre, along with the internal conflicts within the Sinaloa Cartel, highlight the ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle these criminal organizations.The significant rewards offered for information leading to their capture underscore the importance of these efforts in combating drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
Mexican cartel Crackdown: Key Sinaloa operatives Targeted in February 2025
February 2025 proved to be a turbulent month for the Sinaloa Cartel, with significant actions taken against key figures within the organization. The month saw the death of Mario Alberto Jiménez Castro, also known as “the Kastor,” in the State of Mexico, and the killing of Mauro Alberto “N,” alias “The jando,” in Sinaloa.Additionally, authorities apprehended Kevin Gil Acosta, known as “200,” and José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias “El Güero,” further disrupting the cartel’s operations. These events highlight the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel and combat drug trafficking in Mexico.
The Death of “The Kastor” in Calimaya
Mario Alberto Jiménez Castro, known by his alias “The Kastor,” met his demise on February 2, 2025, in the municipality of Calimaya, located in the State of Mexico. His body was discovered in the San Andrés Ocotlán neighborhood following a shooting. Local authorities responded to the scene after witnesses reported hearing at least three gunshots. According to initial reports, an unidentified assailant approached Jiménez Castro, opened fire, and afterward fled the scene in a vehicle.
jiménez Castro’s alleged involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically the faction led by “the Chapitos,” made him a person of interest to both Mexican and U.S. authorities. He was accused of laundering money related to fentanyl trafficking,utilizing cryptocurrencies to move illicit funds across borders. The united States had issued a reward of $1 million for information leading to his capture, underscoring his significance as a key operator in the cartel’s financial network.
“The Jando” Killed in Culiacán
Just days after the death of “the Kastor,” Mauro Alberto “N,” known as ”The Jando,” was killed on February 8, 2025, in the Jesús María Sindicatura, within the municipality of Culiacán, Sinaloa. “The Jando” reportedly served as a pilot for Iván Archivaldo and Jesús alfredo Guzmán Salazar, sons of the infamous joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. His role allegedly extended beyond piloting,as he was linked to several attacks,including one involving explosives launched from aircraft against rival factions,specifically the Cabrera Sarabia,who were allied with “The Mayiza.”
Arrests in Culiacán Target “the Chapitos” Network
The crackdown on the Sinaloa Cartel continued on February 19, 2025, with the arrest of Kevin Gil Acosta, alias “200,” and José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias ”El Güero.” The arrests occurred during a military operation in the downtown area of Culiacán, Sinaloa. Both men were considered close operators to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, a leader within “The Chapitos” faction.
Implications and ongoing Efforts
The events of February 2025 underscore the ongoing efforts by authorities to disrupt and dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel. the deaths of “The Kastor” and “The Jando,” coupled with the arrests of Acosta and canobbio inzunza, represent significant blows to the cartel’s operations. The focus on individuals involved in money laundering and violent attacks highlights the multi-faceted approach being taken to combat the cartel’s influence.
The U.S. government’s involvement, through the reward offered for “The Kastor,” demonstrates the international scope of the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. The use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering, as alleged in the case of Jiménez Castro, also points to the evolving tactics employed by cartels and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking illicit funds.
As investigations continue, further details are expected to emerge regarding the roles of those killed and arrested, and also the broader impact on the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations. The events of February 2025 serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by drug cartels and the ongoing need for coordinated efforts to combat their activities.
Sinaloa Cartel’s Shifting Sands: An Expert Deciphers the Chapitos’ Downfall
The Sinaloa Cartel, once a seemingly impenetrable force, is experiencing unprecedented internal fracturing and external pressure.Is this the beginning of the end for this notorious organization?
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Ramirez, thank you for joining us today.The recent arrests and internal conflicts within the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa cartel have captivated global attention. Can you provide an overview of the current situation?
Dr. Ramirez (DR): Certainly. The Chapitos, the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, inherited a vast criminal empire, but maintaining control proves incredibly challenging. We’re witnessing a confluence of factors impacting their power: intensified law enforcement efforts, internal power struggles, and shifting alliances within the broader cartel landscape.The arrests of key operatives aren’t just symbolic; they represent a meaningful disruption of their supply chains, financial networks, and overall operational capabilities. This instability is creating opportunities for rival factions to gain ground,exacerbating the internal conflict further.
SE: The article highlights the crucial role of international collaborations, notably with the Gulf Clan in Colombia. How significant is this alliance to the Chapitos’ operations, and what are the implications for the global drug trade?
DR: The alliance with the Gulf Clan is undeniably critical. It provides the Chapitos with a reliable source of cocaine, a highly lucrative commodity in the international drug market. This partnership extends beyond simple supply; it includes the exchange of expertise, resources, and even manpower. The Gulf Clan’s experience in drug transportation, specifically navigating Central American routes, proves invaluable to the Sinaloa Cartel. This interconnectedness necessitates a trans-national approach to combatting the cartel’s operations,highlighting the truly global nature of drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies in both North and South America must enhance collaboration and facts sharing to effectively disrupt these cross-border alliances.
SE: The articles also mention the increasing involvement in fentanyl trafficking. How does this factor into the Chapitos cartel’s overall strategy and its impact on the opioid crisis?
DR: Fentanyl is a game-changer. Its high potency and relative ease of production make it an incredibly profitable drug for cartels. The Chapitos, like other cartels, are aggressively pursuing this market. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rightly identifies this as a major threat. The trafficking of fentanyl directly fuels the devastating opioid crisis in the United States and beyond. This isn’t merely a law enforcement challenge; it has severe public health ramifications, demanding a multifaceted response involving law enforcement, public health initiatives, and efforts to address social and economic factors that contribute to opioid addiction.
SE: The articles mention several key figures—either apprehended, killed, or still at large. Can you provide insights into the strategic impact of these individuals’ roles and the potential consequences of their absence or capture?
DR: Absolutely. The loss of key figures like “El Kastor,” involved in financial operations,and “El Jando,” a crucial pilot who facilitated drug transport and coordinated attacks,weakens the operational infrastructure drastically. The apprehension of figures such as ”El Güero” severely compromises communications and logistics. Simultaneously occurring, the continued presence of individuals like Óscar Noah Medina González (“El Panu”) and liborio Núñez Aguirre (“el Karateca”) sustains the cartel’s operational capabilities. Their capture presents a high priority for law enforcement due to their roles in coordinating activities, maintaining alliances, and commanding violence, such as demonstrated during incidents similar to the “Culiacanazo.” Targeting these key individuals, alongside disrupting their financial networks, is essential.
SE: What are some long-term strategies for dismantling the Chapitos’ operational capacity and disrupting similar organizations?
DR: A complete strategy needs to address several key areas. First,intensified international cooperation is crucial; the global nature of this network demands collaborative efforts. Second, effective financial disruption—freezing assets, tracing illicit funds, and targeting money laundering schemes—is crucial. Third, strengthening intelligence gathering and sharing is essential to identify and afterward apprehend key operatives. Fourth, focusing on capacity building within law enforcement agencies in Mexico and other affected countries is essential to their success in long-term disruption of such criminal organizations. addressing the societal and economic factors that encourage cartel recruitment and participation is essential to reducing cartel influence and sustaining gains achieved by law enforcement.
SE: Dr. Ramirez,thank you for sharing your expertise on the Sinaloa Cartel’s current state of affairs. Your insights provide a crucial understanding of the factors involved in the escalating conflict and the considerable challenge before authorities. What are your final thoughts?
DR: The Sinaloa Cartel, particularly the Chapitos faction, faces significant challenges. The combination of internal strife and relentless law enforcement pressure is creating a volatile habitat. While the cartel continues to maintain considerable influence, their long-term prospects appear bleak given the current downward trend. this situation calls for sustained and comprehensive counter-narcotics strategies. It’s a continuous evolution; cartels will adapt, and authorities must stay ahead to prevent the emergence of even more perilous criminal networks.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Sinaloa Cartel? Share your predictions and analyses in the comments below, and let’s discuss this critical topic further!