In just 24 hours, Los Chapitos, the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, suffered two devastating blows. The arrests of Kevin Alonso Gil Acosta, alias El 200, chief of security, and José Ángel Canobbio Inzunsa, alias El Güerito, the group’s main financial operator, have significantly weakened the organization’s structure.
These captures, combined with the increased federal operations in Sinaloa, suggest that Mexican authorities are closing in on the last two remaining Chapitos still at large.
Is Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Next?
According to journalist Óscar Balderas, the capture of Iván Archivaldo is only a matter of time. If arrested, the power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel would likely shift dramatically.
The arrests of Ovidio Guzmán López (extradited to the U.S. in September 2023) and Joaquín Guzmán López (surrendered in July 2024) have already destabilized the cartel’s leadership. Now, with Iván Archivaldo’s security network crumbling, his vulnerability has never been higher.
Who Would Lead Los Chapitos?
If Iván Archivaldo is captured, his brother Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar would be the only leader left of Los Chapitos. However, experts believe the group’s power would decline, as Iván Archivaldo is the cartel’s strongest figure.
- Since 2023, Los Chapitos have suffered major losses, including:
- Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas (El Nini), a key security chief, allegedly betrayed by Iván Archivaldo.
- Kevin Alonso Gil Acosta (El 200), another top security figure.
- José Ángel Canobbio Inzunsa (El Güerito), their main financial operator.
With its leadership crumbling, Los Chapitos could struggle to maintain control over key strongholds like Culiacán, Mazatlán, and Los Mochis.
Could the CJNG Take Over?
If Los Chapitos lose their grip, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) could seize the opportunity to expand.
“The capture of Iván Archivaldo would be a major victory for the Zambada faction within the Sinaloa Cartel and a golden opportunity for the CJNG,” Balderas explained.
For years, CJNG, led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), has tried to penetrate Sinaloa territory. If Los Chapitos weaken, the CJNG could expand its influence in drug trafficking, extortion, and organized crime operations nationwide.
A Gift to the U.S.?
Beyond its impact on Mexico’s criminal landscape, Iván Archivaldo’s potential capture would be a huge win for U.S. authorities.
The Guzmán family remains a high-priority target for the DEA, given their involvement in fentanyl trafficking. Removing Iván Archivaldo from power could significantly disrupt the cartel’s fentanyl supply chain, aligning with the U.S. government’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
What Comes Next?
With Iván Archivaldo running out of trusted security chiefs, experts believe his capture is imminent. Whether it leads to greater cartel violence or a shift in power toward the CJNG remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the future of Los Chapitos hangs in the balance.
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