The Fracture of the Sinaloa Cartel: A Shift in Power
For decades, the Sinaloa Cartel has been one of the most dominant criminal organizations in the world. Founded by figures like Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the cartel built a vast network of drug trafficking routes spanning Mexico, the United States, and much of Latin America. However, internal divisions within the cartel have led to a power struggle that is now reshaping organized crime across the continent.
The split between “Los Chapitos,” led by the sons of El Chapo, and El Mayo Zambada has triggered violent clashes over control of the cartel’s operations. This internal conflict is not just a local issue—it is sending shockwaves throughout Latin America, where the cartel has long-standing partnerships with other criminal groups.
Gustavo Petro’s Warning: The Cartel’s Role in Colombia’s Violence
Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently accused the Sinaloa Cartel of being a key driver of the violence along the Colombia-Venezuela border, particularly in the region of Catatumbo. This area, known for its vast coca fields, has long been a battleground for guerrilla groups and drug traffickers.
For years, the cartel maintained an alliance with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), one of Colombia’s most powerful guerrilla organizations. Under this arrangement, the ELN supplied coca base while the Sinaloa Cartel provided financial resources and weaponry. However, something changed in early 2024, leading to an eruption of violence that forced over 50,000 people to flee their homes.
The Domino Effect of Cartel Instability
This pattern of violence mirrors what has happened in Mexico when criminal organizations fracture. As factions break away, territorial disputes escalate, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. In Catatumbo, the disruption of the ELN-Sinaloa Cartel alliance has led to a surge in violence, with armed groups vying for control of the lucrative drug trade.
The effects of the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal war are not confined to Colombia. The cartel has built a web of alliances across Latin America, from Central America’s trafficking routes to partnerships with criminal organizations in Peru, Ecuador, and beyond. The instability within the cartel’s leadership threatens to disrupt these networks, creating opportunities for rival groups to expand their influence.
CJNG: The Rising Threat Amid the Chaos
One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Sinaloa Cartel’s turmoil is the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This rival organization, known for its brutal tactics and rapid expansion, has been making strategic moves to capitalize on the crisis.
In Mexico, CJNG has been aggressively targeting former Sinaloa Cartel territories. But their ambitions extend beyond national borders—reports suggest that CJNG is actively seeking to establish new partnerships in Latin America, attempting to lure groups away from the fractured Sinaloa organization.
The cartel war is no longer just about control over Mexican drug routes; it is an international battle that could reshape the entire structure of organized crime in the Western Hemisphere.
What’s Next? The Future of Organized Crime in Latin America
As the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal struggle continues, the repercussions will likely be felt across Latin America for years to come. The shifting alliances and power struggles are expected to lead to further violence, instability, and humanitarian crises in regions already plagued by drug-related conflicts.Governments across the continent, particularly in Colombia and Mexico, will need to reassess their strategies for combating organized crime. With CJNG looking to expand and the Sinaloa Cartel in flux, the landscape of the Latin American drug trade is entering a new and uncertain era.
The breakup of the Sinaloa Cartel is far more than an internal dispute—it is a seismic event with far-reaching consequences. As rival factions and competing cartels vie for power, Latin America faces a period of heightened violence and shifting criminal dynamics. Whether governments can contain the fallout remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the legacy of the Sinaloa Cartel’s dominance is being rewritten.
