Juan Carlos Félix Gastelum, known as ‘El Chavo’ Félix and son-in-law of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, was arrested on Saturday, January 18, in the community of Quilá, south of Culiacán, by elements of the National Guard and the Secretariat of Defense (Sedena).
‘El Chavo’ Félix is considered the second most important man in the faction of ‘Mayo’ in the Pacific Cartel, as well as a trusted associate of Ismael Zambada Sicairos, alias ‘El Mayito Flaco’. His arrest took place during an operation on Guadalupe Victoria Street in Quilá.
Following his capture, Juan Carlos Félix Gastelum was placed at the disposal of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime of the Attorney General's Office of the Republic (FGR). According to data from the National Registry of Detentions, he is a man 1.88 meters tall, fair-skinned, medium build, and with black hair.
The arrest operation, which included ground and aerial actions, caused uncertainty among the population. The head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, confirmed the capture of ‘El Chavo’ Félix, highlighting the collaboration among different federal forces to reduce violence in Sinaloa.
Juan Carlos Félix Gastelum is married to María Teresa Zambada Ortiz, daughter of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada. Despite his importance in the criminal organization, he does not face criminal charges in the United States. Additionally, ‘El Chavo’ Félix has been mentioned in several corridos that portray his activities related to drug trafficking.
