Who would be the possible successors of Los Chapitos in the event of their fall?

Will there be changes in the internal structure of Los Chapitos? (Jovani Pérez | Infobae Mexico)

Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman founded a drug empire, whose heirs have been his sons, known as “Los Chapitos”: Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, Ovidio Guzman Lopez and Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

Since “El Chapo” was arrested in 2016, his sons have claimed leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel, sparking an internal struggle that has divided the cartel into several factions. Now, “Los Chapitos” face former allies of their father and members of the cartel with whom they had non-aggression pacts.

Joaquín Guzmán López, known as “El Güero,” was arrested on July 25 in El Paso, Texas, along with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, which has been one of the most significant blows to the Sinaloa Cartel in its history, according to authorities. For his part, Ovidio Guzmán López, known as “El Ratón,” was captured in January 2023 in Sinaloa and extradited to the United States in September.

The Chapitos inherited the criminal empire of Joaquin Guzman Loera. (Infobae Archive)

Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, El Chapo’s children with María Alejandrina Salazar Hernández, are now seeking to become the sole leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, being the only two offspring who have not been arrested by the authorities.

According to Anabel Hernández’s Narcosistema podcast, the fall of El Mayo Zambada has further unleashed the internal war for control of the Sinaloa Cartel, which has generated a significant increase in violence and strategic maneuvers to take over the criminal empire in a war against El Mayito Flaco, who remained as the heir to El Mayo Zambada.

However, following the capture of El Mayo Zambada for alleged betrayal by Los Chapitos, there has been speculation that the fall of the only two sons of El Chapo who remain at large could be imminent.

With the capture or eventual fall of Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán, the future of the leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel would be uncertain, and various factions inside and outside the cartel could contend for control. However, according to Anabel Hernández, there is a family that could be key to emerging as their successors.

Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar is currently the leader of Los Chapitos. (DEA)

In the recent episode of the Narcosistema podcast, Anabel Hernández mentions the figure of the brothers José Ángel and Jorge Canobbio, two key players in the world of drug trafficking in Mexico. These young men from Sinaloa, whose ages are comparable to those of the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, play a crucial role behind Los Chapitos.

They are not only strategists in fentanyl trafficking, but also in the production, distribution and design of routes for the drug, surpassing Iván and Alfredo Guzmán, the sons of “El Chapo,” in brutality and violence.

José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, born on May 25, 1980 in Culiacán, Sinaloa, is a central figure in the criminal network of the Chapitos. With a three-year age difference with respect to Iván Guzmán Salazar (now 41), José Ángel has been fundamental in building the power of the faction led by Guzmán’s sons.

Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza, alias El Güerito. (Photo: X@HEARST_BB)

He is considered a close associate and loyal friend of the Chapitos, and some argue that if Ivan Guzman is arrested, Jose Angel could be the natural successor. His low profile and ability to stay in the shadows contribute to his status within the cartel, according to the book “The Secret History: AMLO and the Sinaloa Cartel.”

José Ángel, also known by the alias “El Güerito”, is described as an extremely intelligent and methodical individual, with skills in resource management and criminal strategy.

According to various reports to which the journalist had access, he was the manager of a Mercedes Benz agency before immersing himself in the world of drug trafficking, and has a fluency in English that reflects his education and international contacts.

His experience in the drug trafficking business is extensive, having previously worked with Juan José Esparragoza Monzón, known as El Azulito, before joining Los Chapitos. In addition, his role in the organization includes the creation of a cell known as “Los Güeritos” or “Los Brontos,” which is responsible for various criminal activities in the state of Sinaloa.

Violence and brutality are hallmarks of José Ángel. According to witnesses, he is known for his willingness to use extreme methods to achieve his goals, without considering possible civilian casualties, including women or children.

Part of the court document on “El Güero’s” brother (Photo: US Government)

His reputation in Sinaloa is one of fear and respect, with a network of contacts and bribes that reinforce his influence and protection. He is said to maintain relationships with political and government figures, including Rubén Rocha Moya.

Jorge Abraham Canobbio Inzunza, José Ángel’s brother, also plays a significant role in the cartel structure. Although his notoriety is lesser compared to his brother, his involvement in drug trafficking and his cartel-related activities should not be underestimated.

In 2011, Jorge was arrested in the United States for trying to cross the border with $25,000 in cash, but his stay in prison was brief, just 60 days, after signing a plea agreement.

The Canobbio brothers’ relationship with the Chapitos and the Sinaloa Cartel is complex and multidimensional. In May 2023, more information about José Ángel was revealed through an email attributed to Dámaso López Serrano, alias “El Mini Lic,” who described Canobbio as the main driver behind the manufacturing of fake oxycodone pills contaminated with fentanyl.

In the musical field, the group Código FN has mentioned José Ángel in their narcocorridos, highlighting his close role with the cartel leaders and his influence in drug trafficking. The corrido “Soy El Ratón” refers to him as “El 90,” an indication of his position and relevance within the organization.