Two of the main generators of violence in the state of Sinaloa are being sought, originating from the faction 'Los Chapitos' of the Sinaloa Cartel. Along with the faction 'La Mayiza', led by the sons of Ismael Zambada García, they maintain a fierce drug war that has claimed the lives of more than 900 people and left over a thousand missing or kidnapped since the conflict began on September 9th.
The confrontation between 'Los Chapitos' and La Mayiza originates from an event that occurred on July 25, 2024, when the sons of El Chapo Guzmán handed over Ismael El Mayo Zambada to the United States government against his will. Los Chapitos seek to avoid life imprisonment and offer information in exchange for reduced sentences about drug trafficking operations in Mexico, similar to what other criminal leaders have done in the past.
Joaquín Guzmán López, who transported El Mayo Zambada to the United States and surrendered to authorities in that country, faces charges in the Northern District Court of Illinois. His next hearing is scheduled for March 19, with the possibility of a plea deal whose terms are not yet known. Jeffrey Lichtman, lawyer for Los Chapitos, has expressed the possibility of reaching an agreement with U.S. authorities.
As for Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, the Northern District Court of Chicago postponed his hearing to March 31. Ovidio, nicknamed 'El Ratón', faces five charges in the United States, including possession of drugs with intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, participation in a continuous criminal enterprise, and possession of firearms. His brothers Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo are fugitives in Mexico.
The lawyers for Ovidio and his brother Joaquín Guzmán López are in negotiations with the government of Donald Trump. Ovidio, who is currently in Mexico serving a sentence, is seeking to reach an agreement for his case in the United States.
