Since September 9, 2024, the Sinaloa Cartel has been engaged in a violent internal conflict between Los Chapitos, led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and La Mayiza, the faction loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, now under the leadership of his son Ismael “El Mayito Flaco” Zambada Sicairos.
Over the past five months, Mexican authorities have intensified operations against both groups, leading to the capture of major cartel figures. These arrests have significantly weakened La Mayiza’s drug trafficking operations and financial networks.
Authorities have reported:
- Nearly 50 high-priority targets arrested
- Over 600 high-powered firearms seized
- 400 vehicles confiscated
- Large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin secured
Despite these crackdowns, the war for control of the Sinaloa Cartel rages on, with ongoing battles in Sinaloa, Sonora, Durango, and Baja California, where both factions fight for dominance over key drug trafficking routes.
Major Arrests Impacting La Mayiza’s Power
El Gusano – Captured September 13, 2024
In Mexicali, Baja California, authorities arrested Kevin Dolores “El Gusano”, a member of Los Rusos, the armed wing of La Mayiza.
- Seized weapons: .40 caliber pistol and 9mm handgun
- Charges: Enforced disappearances in Mexicali (2022-2023)
- Role: Coordinated attacks against authorities and rivals
El Max / El Oso – Captured October 21, 2024
In Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexican special forces arrested Edwin Antonio “El Max”, also known as “El Oso”, after a gunfight involving a helicopter assault unit.
- Role: Managed drug trafficking routes from San Felipe, Baja California, to Los Angeles, California
- Connections: Linked to Alfonso Arzate “El Aquiles”, a key cartel figure in Baja California
El Tochín – Captured December 7, 2024
In Mexicali, Baja California, authorities arrested Gerardo “El Tochín”, another member of Los Rusos, inside a local casino.
- International status: Wanted by the U.S. government since 2017 for drug trafficking
- Connections: Managed cross-border fentanyl shipments between California and Mexico
El Mini Lic – Captured December 13, 2024
In Virginia, USA, DEA agents re-arrested Dámaso López Serrano, alias “El Mini Lic”, a former cartel operative-turned-informant.
- Original status: Released on parole in 2022
- New charges: Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
- Allegiance: Secretly working with «El Mayito Flaco» and was planning to return to Sinaloa to assist La Mayiza
El Mero Mero – Captured December 16, 2024
In Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexican military forces arrested Hernán Domingo “El Mero Mero”, an expert fentanyl trafficker.
- Family ties: Uncle of Ovidio “El Ratón” Guzmán
- Allegiance: Despite his family connection to Los Chapitos, he sided with La Mayiza
- Seized assets:
- Large amounts of fentanyl
- 800,000 pesos in cash
- Weapons cache
El Pitufo – Captured December 16, 2024
In Mexicali, Baja California, police arrested Josué “El Pitufo”, one of the top enforcers of Los Rusos.
- Arrested at a private party following an anonymous tip
- Found with: Cocaine and two fake IDs
- Controversy: Released on bail due to a judge’s ruling, sparking outrage from Baja California’s attorney general
El Chavo Félix – Captured January 18, 2025
In Quilá, Sinaloa, Mexican security forces arrested Juan Carlos Félix Gastélum, known as “El Chavo Félix”.
- Family ties: Married to Teresita Zambada Ortiz, daughter of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada
- Role: Controlled cartel operations in southeastern Culiacán and Quilá
- Captured after a high-risk raid, then flown to Mexico City to face drug trafficking and organized crime charges
What’s Next in the Sinaloa Cartel War?
The rivalry between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza has turned into one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent years. These key arrests have weakened La Mayiza, but authorities expect more violence as both factions try to regain lost ground.
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