Why are there doubts about the arrests of the leaders of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel? | Explanatory news

On June 25, the United States Department of Justice announced the arrest of two high-ranking leaders of the Mexican Sinaloa cartel – co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of imprisoned drug trafficker Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

“Both men face multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operation,” said U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland. he said in a statement on June 25.

Zambada, 76, and Guzman, 38, are the latest Sinaloa cartel leaders arrested by the Justice Department. El Chapo and another of his sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez – along with Nestor Isidro Perez Salas or “El Nini” – are already in US custody for drug trafficking.

US President Joe Biden praised law enforcement officials “for their continued work to bring the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel to justice.”

But the circumstances of his arrests in El Paso, Texas, are shrouded in mystery, with the US ambassador to Mexico acknowledging on Friday that Zambada was brought to the US against his will, while Zambada’s lawyer claimed that the his client was kidnapped by Guzman from Mexico. . Guzmán’s lawyer, on the other hand, said that it was a voluntary surrender.

So what do we know about the arrests and how they might affect drug cartels? How will this affect bilateral ties between the US and Mexico?

What do we know about prisons?

It is alleged that Guzman lured Zambada to board the plane under the pretense of exploring real estate properties, only for the aircraft to head towards the US border and the two to be arrested by authorities.

El Chapo, former leader of the Sinaloa cartel, was extradited in January 2017 to the US, where he faced charges including drug trafficking, money laundering and involvement in an ongoing criminal enterprise.

In 2019, El Chapo was sentenced to life in prison at the US penitentiary ADX Florence, a maximum security “supermax” prison in Colorado.

Details about the recent arrests are still murky, with Zambada and Guzman giving contradictory accounts of what happened.

“I was ambushed,” Zambada said in a statement released through his lawyer on Saturday. Zambada’s lawyer announced on Friday that Guzmán and six men in military uniforms “forcibly kidnapped” his client in Culiacán, capital of the state of Sinaloa. They then transported him against his will to the USA.

Guzman’s lawyer denies this, saying it was a voluntary surrender after prolonged discussions with US authorities.

What do we know about Zambada and Guzman Lopez?

Zambada began his criminal career in the 1980s, initially working with the Juarez cartel and Amado Carrillo Fuentes before teaming up with “El Chapo” to lead the Sinaloa cartel.

Known for keeping a low profile while focusing on the commercial aspects of drug trafficking rather than resorting to violence, he was indicted in the US in 2003, with the reward for his capture increased to $15 million.

Guzmán, known by the pseudonym “El Guero Moreno”, is the son of “El Chapo”, former leader of the Sinaloa cartel.

Along with his brothers, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, he led a faction within the cartel commonly called “Los Chapitos”. Ovidio Guzman Lopez is currently in US custody.

This group, “Los Chapitos,” was involved in drug trafficking operations, including the distribution of fentanyl and other illicit substances in the US.

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Department of Justice will not rest until every cartel leader, member and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney General USA, Garland.

Following their recent arrests, cartel members have pleaded not guilty to multiple drug trafficking charges in the US.

What do Mexican and North American authorities say about the capture?

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar confirmed that Zambada was brought to the U.S. involuntarily, stating, “The evidence we have seen indicates that they brought El Mayo Zambada against his will.”

Mexico asked the US to reveal the circumstances of the arrests. The U.S. government’s lack of cooperation in clarifying these details was a source of frustration for outgoing Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who called for transparency from the U.S.

Claudia Sheinbaum, who will be sworn in on October 1 as Mexico’s new president, has not made any public statements about the recent arrests.

Garland, from the US, described the operation that led to his arrests as the result of betrayal within the cartel.

How will this affect US relations with Mexico?

The surprising nature of the arrests fueled speculation about the extent of U.S. involvement in cartel affairs, which further increased the Mexican administration’s distrust of U.S. security policies.

The Mexican government has consistently demonstrated sensitivity to issues of national sovereignty when engaging with the United States. The arrest of Zambada and Guzmán could harm relations between the two neighbors.

Mexican Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said it was unclear whether Zambada’s transfer was a voluntary surrender or a kidnapping, and asked U.S. authorities for more information.

Mexico has long cooperated with the US in its so-called war on drugs. The US has also sought Mexico’s help in dealing with the arrival of asylum seekers at the US border. But ties have been tested since López Obrador became Mexico’s president in 2018.

How will this impact the future of the Sinaloa cartel?

The arrests have raised concerns among Mexican authorities about the potential escalation of violence within drug trafficking groups.

Rivalry within the Sinaloa cartel, specifically the competition between Zambada’s faction and Guzmán’s faction alongside his brothers, could fuel an imminent power struggle that could potentially trigger violent clashes.

This could potentially lead other cartels to exploit rivalry within the Sinaloa cartel. The Jalisco New Generation cartel could take advantage of the weakened state of the Sinaloa cartel and attempt to expand its territory and influence.

But for the US, this represents a major success in its war on drugs.

“Too many of our citizens have lost their lives to the scourge of fentanyl,” said US President Biden. “Many families have been broken and suffer because of this destructive drug. My administration will continue to do everything we can to hold deadly drug traffickers accountable and to save American lives.”