According to security sources, José Ángel Canobbio Inzunza, alias “El Gücerito,” 44 years old, was arrested, who was known as the financial brain of Los Chapitos. The arrest took place in the residential colony Las Quintas, in the east of Culiacán, by elements of the Secretary of National Defense. A military operation was deployed by land and air throughout the eastern part of the city, from Las Quintas to Isla Musala, residential and commercial areas of Culiacán.
“El Gücerito” Canobbio had been previously arrested along with five people in a military operation in the community of Zapotillo, Mocorito municipality, north of Culiacán, on January 10, 2025. His business experience, proficiency in English, and international contacts made him the “operational brain” of Los Chapitos, being considered a potential successor in the leadership of brothers Iván and Alfredo Guzmán.
In the social and cultural realm, his notoriety was reflected in narco-corridos that referenced his alias “El Gücerito.” He coordinated a distribution network from Mexico to the United States, establishing strong control over his territory. Although the Sinaloa Public Security Secretary previously denied his detention, it was eventually confirmed after an operation involving armed helicopters and mobile ground units, surrounding all residential and commercial sectors of the area.
José Ángel Canobbio, alias “El Gücerito,” led along with his brother Jorge a criminal cell called “Los Güceritos” or “Los Brontos,” in the service of Los Chapitos. Despite not being a priority target for U.S. authorities, he was indicated in messages directed at national media as linked to Los Chapitos. In November 2024, the U.S. government formally accused him as one of the key operators in the criminal organization of Los Chapitos.
Close to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, “El Gücerito” Canobbio played a central role as the principal advisor and head of security for Iván Archivaldo. Following the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2016, Canobbio became the trusted man of Los Chapitos, being considered “the brilliant mind” of the cartel. He was responsible for facilitating the creation and supply of elements for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl, consolidating a steady flow into the U.S. market.
