He is a key operator of Los Chapitos and head of security for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán. His capture represents a blow to the structure of the Sinaloa Cartel and generates tensions in the Mexico-U.S. relationship.
The arrest occurred on February 19, 2025, during a joint operation by the National Guard and the Army. After his detention, he was transferred to Mexico City and faces charges of drug trafficking and organized crime. Authorities have described the capture as a strategic action in the fight against crime.
Trump's Pressure on Sheinbaum
The capture responds to the growing pressure from former President Donald Trump on the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum. Washington has demanded concrete actions against the cartels, arguing that drug trafficking violence directly impacts U.S. security. Sheinbaum's government is trying to balance its response between national sovereignty and the demands of the White House.
The detainee, alias ‘El Güerito’, is identified as a key financial operator and head of security within the ‘Los Chapitos’ faction. His role was crucial in the protection and expansion of the cartel, coordinating security logistics for drug trafficking.
In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice accused him of leading ‘Los Chimales’, an armed group that protects drug routes to the north. He is also linked to money laundering operations and the shipment of fentanyl to U.S. territory.
