A federal judge has linked drug trafficker Edwin Antonio Rubio López, known as 'El Oso' or 'El Max', to the prosecution for being the alleged operator of the 'La Mayiza' faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. He will remain incarcerated in the Federal Social Readaptation Center number 1, also known as the Altiplano prison, located in the municipality of Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico. The measure was taken following evidence presented by the Federal Public Ministry that resulted in a preventive prison order against 'El Max' for his alleged involvement in fentanyl trafficking and possession of exclusive firearms. The Attorney General's Office will have a period of four months to complete the investigation.
Rubio López's detention took place on October 21 at a campsite in the community of Plan de Oriente, near Culiacán, Sinaloa. The operation to capture him was led by Mexican army forces, who engaged in an armed confrontation with members of the Sinaloa Cartel, resulting in 19 fatalities, according to the Secretariat of National Defense. During the detention, a total of 4 machine guns, 17 long guns, 5 handguns, a Barret rifle, and various cartridges of different calibers were seized. On the night of October 24, 'El Max' was transferred to the Altiplano prison.
The capture of 'El Max' was one of the priorities for federal authorities, as he was considered one of the main generators of violence in Sinaloa and a participant in the war against the 'los Chapitos' faction following the detention of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. In 2019, a capture order was issued against him for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking to the United States, being responsible for transporting drugs from Culiacán to Los Angeles, California, passing through San Felipe, Baja California. Additionally, 13 tactical vests, 9 ballistic helmets, and 7 vehicles were found in his possession. After his arrest, 'El Max' was incarcerated in the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime.