This week, Mexican authorities arrested two alleged high-ranking members of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, intensifying efforts against the infamous drug trafficking organization. Canobbio Inzunza, reportedly a close associate of the "Chapitos," sons of the infamous Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was arrested in Culiacán, northwest Mexico. A subsequent operation led to the capture of Kevin Alonso "N" in the same city. These arrests coincide with the Trump administration's recent designation of the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that was made without consulting the Mexican government.
The Sinaloa Cartel, known for its involvement in regional violence and drug trafficking, is among several groups named in the U.S. designation, which also includes transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. Canobbio Inzunza played a significant role within the cartel, allegedly operating as a key operator and aviator pilot within a criminal cell responsible for violence in the area.
"An aviator pilot and key operator within a criminal cell responsible for violence in the region," stated Omar Hamid García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of Mexico.
Inzunza was indicted by a Chicago grand jury in November for manufacturing and importing drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl into the United States. According to the Department of Justice, he financed and led an armed security group known as "Los Chimales," which provided protection for the Guzman faction and engaged in conflicts to facilitate drug trafficking operations.
“The indictment states that Canobbio Inzunza financed and led an armed security group known as ‘Los Chimales,’ which provided security for the Guzman faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and engaged in armed conflict to assist the Chapitos in importing drugs into the United States,” said the Department of Justice.
On February 8, Mexican forces apprehended Mauro "N" during a deadly confrontation that resulted in the death of a Mexican Army soldier. This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle violent groups linked to drug trafficking activities.
Meanwhile, tensions have risen between Mexico and the United States over the unilateral decision to label these cartels as terrorist organizations. Claudia Sheinbaum, a prominent Mexican political figure, expressed concerns about national sovereignty.
“What we want to make clear with this designation is that we do not negotiate sovereignty, this can’t be an opportunity by the United States to invade our sovereignty,” Sheinbaum declared.
