The captures and extraditions of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of "El Chapo" Guzmán in late July were hailed as major strikes against fentanyl trafficking in the U.S. However, the captures led to more violence, sparking an all-out war in northern Mexico as two ensuing factions fight for control.
According to 2023 data from Mexico's Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC) 531 intentional homicides were reported in the state of Sinaloa last year. But a little over three months into the internal conflict between "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza," at least 555 homicides have been reported across the state, with the majority of them taking place in the capital city of Culiacán, one of the cartel's strongholds.
But even as the death toll keeps climbing and Mexican authorities continue to fight cartels with key arrests to regional leaders and plaza bosses, "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza" seem to continue operating in full force.
Key arrests in 2024
Among the most relevant captures made by authorities this year was the arrest of Luis Alberto "N," also known as "El Cañas." Dubbed to lead a sector of the Cártel del Pacífico, "El Cañas" was arrested by military personnel back in October.
His arrest was a huge blow for "Los Chapitos," as authorities believe he was the right-hand man of Humberto Figueroa alias "El 27," the security chief for "Los Chapitos."
The arrest of "El Cañas" came one month after authorities captured Mario Alexander Gámez, also known as "El Piyi." According to authorities, "El Piyi" was a close collaborator of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, one of the sons of "El Chapo" and one of the current leaders of "Los Chapitos."
"La Mayiza" lost its top fentanyl producer
Although the majority of the arrests made by authorities have hit "Los Chapitos" organization the hardest, "La Mayiza" has also lost several key contributors throughout 2024.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested Hernán Domingo Ojeda López alias "El Mero Mero." Besides being one of "La Mayiza's" most important fentanyl producers, "El Mero Mero" was the uncle and godfather of Ovidio "El Ratón" Guzmán López, son of El Chapo.
Despite his family ties with "Los Chapitos," Ojeda López decided to side with "La Mayiza" after turf wars between the two Sinaloa Cartel cliques erupted in September.
Other high-profile blows delivered by authorities to "La Mayiza" include:
- "El Max", considered one of the greatest generators of violence in the country
- "El Güero Chompas," plaza boss in Baja California
- Death of "El Delta" or "El Dimas," financial operator for "El Mayo" Zambada
Seizures and dismantling of overseas operations
The biggest seizure of the year took place in early December when Mexican authorities secured the largest fentanyl bust in the nation's history. Military personnel seized approximately 2,410 pounds of the synthetic opioid with an estimated worth of $400 million.
The record haul contrasts with a 94% drop in fentanyl seizures during the first half of 2024 under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, when federal forces reported seizing just 286 pounds nationwide.
Similarly, authorities delivered a major blow to an overseas operation in Barcelona, Spain, with the arrests of 14 individuals with alleged links to the Sinaloa Cartel.
The operation led authorities to bust a clandestine lab that focused on methamphetamine production.
According to Spanish authorities, the group transported drugs from Mexico imbued in clothing which was later processed and distributed all throughout Europe. They also said the criminal group was key in the Sinaloa Cartel's international operations.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
