A Power Struggle Within the Sinaloa Cartel
Since September 9, 2024, the Sinaloa Cartel has been in one of its worst internal crises following the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The battle for dominance between Los Chapitos, led by El Chapo Guzmán’s sons, and La Mayiza, a faction loyal to El Mayo, has triggered an unprecedented wave of violence across Sinaloa, Sonora, and Durango.
This internal war has led to explosive attacks, mass killings, and constant clashes between rival factions. In response, the Mexican government has launched an aggressive campaign to dismantle Los Chapitos, leading to nearly 50 high-profile arrests and the seizure of hundreds of weapons, vehicles, and drug shipments.
How the Mexican Government Is Cracking Down
A multi-agency effort, including Sedena (Mexican Army), the National Guard, the Navy (Semar), and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), has been deployed to weaken Los Chapitos.
According to Omar García Harfuch, head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), authorities have seized:
- Over 600 high-powered weapons
- More than 400 vehicles
- Large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine
The Mexican military remains active in conflict zones, targeting key cartel strongholds and pursuing high-ranking cartel operatives still at large.
Major Los Chapitos Leaders Captured
El Piyi – The Successor of “El Nini”
- Captured: September 19, 2024, in Culiacán, Sinaloa
- Role: Chief of security for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán
- Significance: Took over after El Nini, former security chief, was arrested in 2023
El Cañas – The Enforcer of Northern Sinaloa
- Captured: October 18, 2024, in La Guamuchilera, Sinaloa
- Role: Top lieutenant for La Perris, a key Chapitos leader
- Seized Items: 524 rounds of ammunition, two grenades, and several vehicles
El Pelón – The Sonora Commander
- Captured: November 14, 2024, in Culiacán
- Role: Leader of Los Pelones, a violent arm of Los Chapitos
- Operations: Managed drug and arms trafficking to the U.S. via Arizona
El H – The Financial Operator
- Captured: December 6, 2024, in Culiacán
- Role: Controlled cartel payrolls and drug transactions
- Seized Items: A Barrett .50 caliber rifle, 226 rounds of ammunition, and fentanyl
El Tigre – The Corrupt Ex-Police Chief
- Captured: December 17, 2024, in Pachuca, Hidalgo
- Role: Former Quintana Roo police chief turned cartel enforcer
- Operations: Led extortion and assassination squads in Cancún
La Morsa – The Fentanyl Kingpin
- Captured: January 28, 2025, in Mexico City
- Role: Controlled fentanyl production and smuggling routes
- Connections: Operated under Aureliano “El Guano” Guzmán, El Chapo’s brother
Ricardo “N” – The Torturer
- Captured: January 30, 2025, in Culiacán
- Role: Executioner for Los Chapitos
- Evidence: Authorities found videos of torture and executions on his phone
El Gato – The Explosives Expert
- Captured: February 5, 2025, in Mazatlán
- Role: Expert in drone attacks and explosives
- Charges: Suspected of orchestrating attacks on law enforcement offices
El Jando – The Cartel Pilot
- Captured: February 8, 2025, in Jesús María, Culiacán
- Role: Pilot and logistics operator for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán
- Incident: His capture led to a violent firefight, resulting in a soldier’s death
The Future of the Sinaloa Cartel
Despite these high-profile arrests, the war between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza continues, creating widespread instability in northern Mexico. While the Mexican government has made progress, experts believe that:
- Los Chapitos still have significant operational strength
- Remaining cartel leaders will escalate violence to regain control
- CJNG could take advantage of the chaos to expand its influence
A Cartel War with No End in Sight
The fall of key Los Chapitos operatives represents a major victory for Mexican law enforcement, but the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal war remains far from over. As authorities intensify their crackdown, the conflict’s long-term impact on Mexico’s security landscape is still uncertain.
The question remains: Will the capture of these leaders weaken Los Chapitos permanently, or will new figures rise to take their place?
