A recently leaked phone call has shed light on the ongoing power struggles within the Sinaloa Cartel, allegedly linking Dámaso “El Mini Lic” López Serrano to key cartel figures. The recording, reportedly captured on December 1, 2024, was aired on the Mexican news program Me lo dijo Adela, hosted by journalist Adela Micha. The conversation features mentions of Ismael “El Mayito Flaco” Zambada, a high-ranking figure within the cartel, and Kevin Castro, the brother of popular influencer Marquitos Toys.
The timing of the leaked audio has further fueled speculation. Just eleven days after the recorded conversation, López Serrano was re-arrested in the United States on charges related to fentanyl distribution. Authorities allege that despite his previous collaboration as an informant, he continued engaging in organized crime. The resurfaced recording raises questions about his role in cartel operations and the potential for escalating violence in Culiacán.
El Mini Lic’s Alleged Ties to ‘El Mayito Flaco’
The four-minute conversation allegedly confirms that El Mini Lic maintained communication with La Mayiza, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The audio suggests a possible increase in cartel-related violence in Culiacán, although the exact motivations remain unclear.
In the leaked call, López Serrano is heard mentioning that he had spoken with El Mayito Flaco, the son of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, and leader of La Mayiza. He claims that El Mayito Flaco had warned about rising tensions in Culiacán. López Serrano then discusses plans to mobilize cartel members to take action in the region, emphasizing the need for financial support. The exchange appears to confirm that he was involved in discussions about strategic moves within the cartel.
This contradicts previous claims by a supposed high-ranking member of La Mayiza, who stated in an interview with the YouTube channel Grillonautas that El Mini Lic had no real influence in cartel operations. The source insisted that while López Serrano may have expressed interest in collaborating, he did not hold a position of power within the organization. This conflicting narrative has added to the uncertainty surrounding his actual role in cartel activities.
Clarifying the Rumors About Kevin Castro’s Alleged Kidnapping
The leaked call also references Kevin Castro, the brother of well-known influencer Marquitos Toys. In early December 2024, rumors circulated that Kevin Castro had been kidnapped by La Mayiza, sparking widespread speculation on social media. However, the leaked audio suggests that these reports were unfounded.
During the conversation, López Serrano is asked whether the reports about Kevin Castro’s abduction were true. He responds that he never heard of such an incident and implies that the rumors may have originated from misleading social media posts. This contradicts earlier claims that La Mayiza had targeted Kevin Castro as part of a cartel dispute, reinforcing the idea that misinformation played a role in the viral kidnapping allegations.
The Re-Arrest of ‘El Mini Lic’ and His Criminal History
Dámaso “El Mini Lic” López Serrano is the son of Dámaso «El Licenciado» López Núñez, a former high-ranking figure within the Sinaloa Cartel and one of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s closest allies. Raised in the world of organized crime, López Serrano became known as a “narcojunior” who wielded influence due to his family connections.
After his father’s extradition to the United States in 2017, López Serrano turned himself in to U.S. authorities and became a cooperating witness in exchange for a reduced sentence. He was released in 2022 after serving just over five years in prison. However, in December 2024, he was arrested again in Fairfax, Virginia, accused of conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to leaked court documents, U.S. officials considered him a high flight risk and believe he never fully abandoned the drug trade. His re-arrest raises significant questions about whether former cartel members who turn informants can truly separate themselves from organized crime. If convicted, López Serrano faces a minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Potential Impact on the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Power Struggles
The leaked recording and the arrest of El Mini Lic could have far-reaching implications for the power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel. The cartel has already been dealing with internal conflicts between factions led by Los Chapitos, the sons of El Chapo Guzmán, and La Mayiza, the group associated with El Mayito Flaco.
If the audio recording is authentic, it suggests that López Serrano was still involved in discussions about cartel activities, despite his previous cooperation with U.S. authorities. This revelation could further destabilize relationships between different cartel factions and lead to increased violence in Culiacán and other regions where these groups operate.
The mention of El Mayito Flaco’s role in the conversation also adds another layer of complexity. If he was indeed planning for an escalation of violence, it could signal upcoming clashes between rival factions. Furthermore, the false rumors surrounding Kevin Castro’s kidnapping demonstrate how cartel-related speculation can quickly spiral into misinformation, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Final Thoughts: Another Chapter in Mexico’s Cartel Wars
The leaked audio linking El Mini Lic to cartel discussions has reignited debates about the extent of his involvement in organized crime. While some sources claim he had no real power, others argue that his recent re-arrest and the details revealed in the recording suggest otherwise.
As legal proceedings move forward, authorities in both Mexico and the United States will need to determine whether López Serrano continued engaging in cartel activities or if the charges against him are based on circumstantial evidence. Meanwhile, the Sinaloa Cartel remains in a period of internal turmoil, with multiple factions vying for control.
With violence in Culiacán potentially on the rise and the U.S. continuing its crackdown on fentanyl trafficking, the coming months could prove pivotal in shaping the future of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization.
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