Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, a prominent figure in Mexico's drug trade, has been released from a U.S. prison after serving a significant portion of his 25-year sentence. The former head of the Gulf cartel, Cárdenas Guillén was known for his ruthless tactics and the creation of the infamous Zetas gang, comprised of ex-special forces soldiers.
During his reign, the Zetas carried out brutal acts of violence, including the slaughter of migrants and innocent civilians. Cárdenas Guillén was sentenced in 2010 and extradited to the U.S. in 2007, where he was ordered to forfeit millions of dollars in illicit gains.
Despite his incarceration, the Zetas continued their reign of terror until their top leaders were eliminated in 2012-2013. An offshoot of the Zetas, the Northeast cartel, still exerts control over Nuevo Laredo, a border city neighboring Texas.
Meanwhile, the Gulf cartel, under Cárdenas Guillén's leadership, has splintered into factions engaged in violent internal conflicts. Known for his brutality, Cárdenas Guillén earned the moniker 'El Mata Amigos' or 'The one who kills his friends.'
One of his most audacious acts involved a confrontation with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents in 1999, where he attempted to seize one of their informants. Despite the tense standoff, the agents stood their ground, preventing a potentially deadly outcome.
Upon his release, Cárdenas Guillén faces arrest warrants in Mexico, raising the likelihood of his detention upon return. His legacy of violence and criminal enterprise continues to impact Mexico's drug landscape, with remnants of his organizations still active in the region.
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